WO2012068233A1 - Mobility device docking system - Google Patents
Mobility device docking system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2012068233A1 WO2012068233A1 PCT/US2011/060964 US2011060964W WO2012068233A1 WO 2012068233 A1 WO2012068233 A1 WO 2012068233A1 US 2011060964 W US2011060964 W US 2011060964W WO 2012068233 A1 WO2012068233 A1 WO 2012068233A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- receiving member
- assembly
- locking pin
- passageway
- mobility
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P7/00—Securing or covering of load on vehicles
- B60P7/06—Securing of load
- B60P7/08—Securing to the vehicle floor or sides
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G3/00—Ambulance aspects of vehicles; Vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances, e.g. for facilitating access of, or for loading, wheelchairs
- A61G3/08—Accommodating or securing wheelchairs or stretchers
- A61G3/0808—Accommodating or securing wheelchairs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G2203/00—General characteristics of devices
- A61G2203/10—General characteristics of devices characterised by specific control means, e.g. for adjustment or steering
- A61G2203/14—Joysticks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G2203/00—General characteristics of devices
- A61G2203/70—General characteristics of devices with special adaptations, e.g. for safety or comfort
- A61G2203/80—General characteristics of devices with special adaptations, e.g. for safety or comfort for connecting a trolley to a device, e.g. bed or column table
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G3/00—Ambulance aspects of vehicles; Vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances, e.g. for facilitating access of, or for loading, wheelchairs
- A61G3/02—Loading or unloading personal conveyances; Facilitating access of patients or disabled persons to, or exit from, vehicles
- A61G3/06—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like
- A61G3/062—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like using lifts connected to the vehicle
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/04—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs motor-driven
- A61G5/041—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs motor-driven having a specific drive-type
- A61G5/045—Rear wheel drive
Definitions
- This invention relates in general to devices for securing a mobility device, such as a wheelchair or scooter, to a mobility vehicle, and more particularly to a securing device that automatically locks a mobility device in a desired position in a mobility vehicle or on a lifting device that is installed in or on a mobility vehicle or trailer.
- An object of this invention is to provide a device for securing in a fail safe manner a mobility device, such as a wheelchair or scooter, in a mobility vehicle in a desired position. Another object of this invention is to provide a securing device that reliably inhibits twisting or rotation of the mobility device once it is locked into position. Another object of this invention is to provide a securing device that permits the mobility device to be easily maneuvered by the mobility device occupant into locking engagement with the securing device. Still another object of this invention is to provide a securing device that is generally universal and can be utilized with most mobility devices currently in the marketplace.
- a securing device having a docking assembly, a locking assembly and a guide assembly for positioning and securing a mobility device in a desired position in a mobility vehicle or on a lifting device that is installed in or on a mobility vehicle or trailer.
- the docking assembly includes a base plate that can be fixed to the vehicle floor or lifting device, at least one support member affixed to and extending vertically upward from the base plate, and a positioning member attachable to the support member whereby the positioning member is positioned parallel to and at a pre-determined height from the vehicle floor or lifting device.
- the locking assembly includes a receiving member having an interior passageway and affixed to the positioning member at its outer end section. The receiving member has a locking end opening.
- the guide assembly includes a support plate attachable to the mobility device and an arm member affixed to the support plate whereby the arm member extends out from one side of the mobility device and engages the receiving member.
- the receiving end section of the receiving member is formed of one or more tapered side walls forming an enlarged receiving opening and a smaller inner passageway opening, preferably in the shape of a truncated cone or pyramid.
- the receiving end section truncated cone has a "D" shaped cross-section with the straight side of the "D" extending further from the outer end section of the positioning member.
- the receiving end section is a concentric or eccentric reducer.
- a locking pin assembly including a locking pin may be operatively connected to a sensor to receive a signal upon sensing the presence of an object entering the passageway.
- the guide assembly includes a support plate attachable to the mobility device. It further includes an alignment rod affixed to the support plate and positioned parallel to and outside the one side of the mobility device at a height from the vehicle floor to align with the receiving member passageway.
- Another aspect of this invention is a device for securing a mobility device in a
- the device for securing a mobility device comprises a docking assembly, a locking assembly, and a guide assembly.
- the docking assembly comprises a base plate, and at least one vertical support structure extending upward from the base plate.
- the locking assembly comprises a receiving member having an interior passageway and affixed to the docking assembly, and a locking pin assembly to drive a locking pin through an opening in the receiving member and into the interior passageway.
- the guide assembly is configured to align the mobility device into position for locking engagement with the receiving member.
- the guide assembly comprises a support plate attachable to the mobility device, and an alignment rod affixed to the support plate and having an opening extending through the rod, the alignment rod positioned parallel to and outside the one side of the mobility device at a height from the vehicle floor to align with the receiving member passageway, the alignment rod being sized to extend into the passageway.
- Figure 1A illustrates a typical powered wheelchair that is to be secured inside a mobility vehicle, such as a van.
- Figure IB is a side view of the powered wheelchair of Figure 1A.
- Figure 1C is a three-quarter perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the guide assembly affixable to the base of a powered wheelchair of Figure lA.
- Figure 2A is a three-quarter front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the guide assembly affixable to the base of the powered wheelchair of Figure 1A, the docking assembly affixable to the mobility vehicle floor panel and the locking assembly affixed to the docking assembly for receiving the guide assembly and locking the powered wheelchair in the desired position.
- Figure 2B is a three-quarter front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the cabinet of the docking assembly.
- Figure 2C is a three-quarter rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the hinge plate of the docking assembly to permit the positioning member to pivot into the docking assembly structure.
- Figure 2D is a three-quarter front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the positioning member of this invention illustrated in Figure 2A.
- Figure 2E is a three-quarter front perspective view of the positioning member illustrated in Figure 2A pivoted into the docking assembly structure when not in use as shown in Figure 2C.
- Figure 3 is a three-quarter perspective view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the docking assembly structured to permit the docking of two mobility devices.
- Figures 4A and 4B depict a three-quarter front perspective view and bottom perspective view, respectively, of an alternate preferred embodiment of the alignment plate with its alignment rod positioned in the docking assembly of this invention.
- Figures 5A-5E are the front view, top view, bottom view, alignment rod insertion side view and opposing side view, respectively of an alternate embodiment of the docking assembly.
- Figure 6A illustrates an alternate preferred embodiment of the vertical support structure utilizing tubular support columns and a top plate.
- Figure 6B illustrates is a top-view of the top plate of the embodiment of the docking assembly shown in Figure 6A.
- Figure 6C illustrates is a perspective view the embodiment of the docking assembly shown in Figure 6A.
- Figures 6D-6H illustrate three-dimensional depictions of a docking assembly in combination with various auxiliary elements.
- FIGS 7A-7F illustrate an alternate preferred embodiment of the receiving end section of the docking assembly receiving member.
- Figures 8A-8B illustrate a wheel chair docked to the docking assembly.
- Figure 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a device for securing a mobility device in accordance with this invention wherein the docking assembly is affixed to a lifting device for a mobility vehicle.
- a device for securing a mobility device in accordance with this invention is not limited only to powered wheelchairs.
- a device for securing a mobility device in accordance with this invention may also be used with other mobility devices, such as scooters, manually propelled wheelchairs, and so forth.
- Figures 1A and IB depict a conventional powered wheelchair shown generally at 100.
- Such wheelchairs generally include a base frame 101 to which are operatively attached sets of front and rear wheels 102 and 103, respectively. Also attached to the base frame 101 is a power source contained in housing 104. In addition, there will be a seat frame 105 also affixed to the base frame 101 on which a seat 106 having a back rest 107 is mounted. Typically, a pair of arm rests 108 and 109 are attached to the seat frame 105, wherein steering control mechanism 110 is mounted on one of the arm rests 108, 109 where it can be manipulated by a person sitting in the seat 106 and can be operatively connected to the power source (such as batteries) in housing 104. If desired, removable foot rests 111 can also be affixed to the base frame 101.
- the actual construction of the powered wheelchair 100 can vary, but almost universally there will be a gap 112 between the base frame 101 and the seat frame 105 of sufficient size to bolt or otherwise affix a support plate to one or the other or both of the frames 101,
- a device for securing a mobility device 200 of this invention includes three basic assemblies: a docking assembly 201 affixable to the floor panel 113 of a mobility vehicle (not shown), a locking assembly 202 attached to the docking assembly 201, and a guide assembly 203 attached to the base frame 101 or the seat frame 105 of powered wheelchair 100 as shown in Figure 1C.
- the docking assembly 201 may include a cabinet-type structure formed from a base plate 204 that is bolted or otherwise attached to the vehicle floor panel 113 at a position substantially parallel to the desired location to affix the wheelchair 100, one pair of opposing, separated side walls 205, 206 vertically extending from the base plate 204, one or more back support members 207 affixed perpendicularly between and to the side walls 205, 206 to rigidify the cabinet-type structure, and a positioning member 208 attachable to at least one of the back support members 207 at a position parallel to and at a pre-determined height from the vehicle floor panel 113 and sized to extend beyond the side walls 205, 206.
- positioning member 208 will be attached to the back support members 207 whereby it can be locked into the desired parallel position when the docking assembly 201 is in use or whereby it can be pivoted to fit between side walls 205, 206 when not in use.
- positioning member 208 is provided with a pivot plate 209 that is attached to back support member 207 by hinges 210.
- Pivot plate 209 is provided with two aligned shoulder members 211, 212, each having openings 213, 214, respectively, extending through their respective shoulder member 211, 212.
- Shoulder members 211, 212 are positioned on pivot plate 209 to fit between corresponding pairs of shoulder members 215, 216 and 217, 218 also each having an opening, respectively, whereby securing means 223, 224, respectively, can be inserted through the corresponding openings 213 and 214, respectively, to fix pivot plate 209 in a position perpendicular to docking assembly back support member 207.
- Positioning member 208 is bolted or otherwise affixed to pivot plate 209 whereby receiving member 225 will be fixed at the desired position when in use, but which will be positioned within docking assembly 201 when not in use.
- back support member 207 is a plate that runs the full length of side walls 205, 206.
- docking assembly 201 is structured to secure two wheelchairs.
- positioning members 303 and 304 secured to opposite sides 300 and 301 of back support member 302 are positioning members 303 and 304, respectively.
- Each positioning member 303 and 304 is sized to extend beyond the side walls 305, 306, respectively.
- both positioning members 303 and 304 are attached to the back support member 302 in similar fashion as illustrated in Figures 2A-2E whereby each positioning members 303 and 304 can be locked into the desired parallel position when the docking assembly 201 is in use or whereby each positioning members 303 and 304 can be pivoted to fit between side walls 305 and 306 when not in use.
- the locking assembly 202 as illustrated in Figures 2C-2E includes an extension plate
- Receiving member 225 has a receiving end section 228, a main body section 229, and a stop end section 230.
- Each of the sections 228, 229, 230 may be structured having a circular, square, rectangular, oval or other shaped cross section. It is preferred that the same cross section shape be used for each section.
- the receiving end section 228 will be greater at its outer edge 231 and tapered to the size and shape of the main body section 229. If the receiving end section 228 has a circular cross section, then its overall shape would resemble a truncated cone. On the other hand, if the receiving end section 228 has a square cross section, then its overall shape would resemble a truncated pyramid.
- Receiving member 225 also has a slot 232 that runs horizontally through each of sections 228, 229, 230 that is sized to permit the alignment rod 233 of guide assembly 203 to enter into receiving member passageway 234.
- locking assembly 202 also includes one or more sensors that provide signals to a locking pin assembly 235.
- the locking pin assembly 235 includes conventional switch means 236a, 236b that react to the signals to extend or retract a locking pin 237 from its initial position.
- the sensors are positioned to detect the presence of powered wheelchair 100 and when the powered wheelchair 100 is in the desired position to send a signal to activate the locking pin assembly 235 to extend locking pin 237 into passageway 244 to secure the wheelchair 100 in that position.
- the guide assembly 203 includes a support plate 241 that is affixed to wheelchair base frame 101 or seat frame 105.
- the guide assembly 203 may further include a positioning arm member 242 affixed to wheelchair base frame 101 or seat frame 105 and alignment rod 233 affixed to positioning arm member 242.
- the position at which support plate 241 is affixed depends on the construction of wheelchair 100. However, in most wheelchair constructions there is a gap 112 between the wheelchair base frame 101 and the seat frame 105 to position and affix support plate 241 horizontally to either frame 101 or frame 105. It is preferred to affix support plate 241 to wheelchair 100 at that position which is more stable and will reliably maintain support plate 241 at a known height above the vehicle floor panel 113.
- Support plate 241 not extend beyond the wider spaced of wheelchair wheels 102 or 103 in order to maintain the normal width of wheelchair 100.
- Positioning arm member 242 is shaped to serve as a platform that permits alignment rod 233 to be fixed at a pre-determined height above the vehicle floor panel 113.
- the guide assembly 203 may comprise the support plate 241 which is affixed to the alignment rod 203.
- the docking assembly 201 is first affixed to the vehicle floor panel 113.
- threaded studs 114 are welded or otherwise conventionally affixed to the floor panel 113 at the desired locations.
- Docking assembly base plate 204 is provided with a series of openings 243 through which studs 114 can be extended to permit nuts 115 to affix base plate 204 to the vehicle floor panel 113.
- base plate 204 can be directly welded to the vehicle floor panel 113.
- Positioning member 208 is locked in a horizontal position to position receiving member 225 parallel to and distanced from the vehicle floor panel 113 at the desired height.
- receiving member 225 is provided with an opening 244 to permit locking pin 237 to move into and out of tubular receiving member passageway 234.
- Locking pin assembly 235 is affixed in position, preferably vertically, on receiving member 225.
- a preferred combination of sensor and locking pin assembly 235 would include a micro switch 236 positioned to detect the fully engaged position of the alignment rod 233 in the tubular receiving member passageway 234 and solenoid 246 controlling the movement of a locking pin 237.
- solenoids that could be used include a Deltrol Controls Med 12x1.500 solenoid or a Ledex Tubular Linear STA Series Pull 1" diameter x 1.125" solenoid.
- the locking pin 237 is retracted into the solenoid 246 and is not moved into passageway 234 until the micro switch 236 has detected the alignment rod 233 and signaled the solenoid 246 to move the locking pin 237 into passageway 234.
- Alignment rod 233 is provided with an opening 247 positioned to receive locking pin 237 when it is in the fully engaged position within passageway 234. If multiple solenoids are utilized, such as illustrated in Figures 2A and 2D, then alignment rod 233 is provided with one opening 247, 248 for each locking pin 237. The alignment rod openings 247, 248 are positioned whereby they will be engaged by one of the locking pins 237 when the alignment rod 233 is properly positioned in passageway 234.
- tubular receiving member stop end section 230 be constructed to block passageway 234 to prevent alignment rod 233 from traveling past the fully engaged position.
- the stop end section 230 has a stop shoulder sufficiently extending into passageway 234 to prohibit alignment rod 233 from continuing movement past stop shoulder.
- the stop end section 230 can be constructed as a cap having internal threads (not shown) sized to screw onto a threaded end section (not shown) of main body section 229 so as to completely block one end of passageway 234.
- the stop end section 230 may be welded onto the end of the main body section 229.
- Powered wheelchair 100 is driven up a ramp into the interior of mobility vehicle (such as a van or similar vehicle) and steered to position alignment rod 233 to enter tubular receiving member receiving end 228.
- Receiving end 228 has a large opening to facilitate easier maneuvering of wheelchair 100 into position.
- the cross-sectional shape of alignment rod 233 will match, but be slightly smaller than the cross-sectional shape of passageway 234 in tubular receiving member main body section 229 to permit a small tolerance between the alignment rod 233 and the interior surfaces forming the main body section 229.
- Wheelchair 100 will be driven forward until alignment rod 233 contacts stop end section shoulder located substantially near or at the end of the main body section 230.
- switch 236a, 236b that signals solenoid 246a, 246b to magnetically disengage locking pin 237 to permit the solenoid spring to drive locking pin 237 into alignment rod opening 247, thus completing the docking procedure.
- switch 236a, 236b is operatively connected to solenoid 246a, 246b and is activated to signal solenoid 246 to magnetically engage locking pin 237 which will lift locking pin 237 from alignment rod opening 247 to permit the wheelchair 100 to be backed out of its docking position.
- switch 236a, 236b will be affixed to docking assembly side wall 206 to permit easy access, but which is not in the path of normal movement by a person sitting in wheelchair seat 106. If docking assembly 201 is designed to dock two wheelchairs, it is preferred that the first wheelchair is locked into place as described above, and then this process is repeated for the second wheelchair.
- docking assembly 201 Because of the considerable weight of conventional powered wheelchairs and the speed at which they can be maneuvered, it is important that the construction of docking assembly 201, the locking assembly 202 and guide assembly 203, each be constructed of materials that can withstand the forces to which they will be subjected during the docking of wheelchair 100. In addition these elements of the invention must be constructed of materials that can maintain wheelchair 100 in fixed position should it be inadvertently engaged after it has been docked or should the mobility vehicle be involved in a collision.
- FIGS 4A and 4B illustrate another preferred embodiment of a docking assembly 201
- FIGS. 1-10 illustrate a docking assembly cabinet 400 comprising a base plate 401 provided with openings 402 to permit the cabinet 400 to be bolted to the mobility vehicle flooring 113.
- the cabinet 400 includes a series of vertical support plates 403 affixed at their lower ends to the base plate 401 or toe plate 404 and at their upper ends to top plate 405.
- the docking assembly 201 further comprises a tubular positioning member 406 affixed to the vertical support plates 403.
- Tubular positioning member 406 has an enlarged receiving end section 407 and a slot 408 running along its exterior facing side 409 to receive the guide assembly alignment rod 410.
- Sensor assembly 411 is illustrated positioned on side 409 below slot 408 to provide an unobstructed top to cabinet 400.
- this embodiment provides a more contemporary, cleaner look that is easy to manufacture and provides the structural stability necessary to withstand the impact of the powered wheelchair 100 during the docking procedure while maintaining wheelchair 100 in locked position during vehicle operation.
- FIGS 5A-5E illustrate a still further preferred embodiment of the docking assembly
- FIG. 201 This embodiment is similar to that illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B. However, the vertical panels 500 are narrower at their lower end section 501 and wider at their upper end section 502 to provide additional clearance for powered wheelchair 100 to dock. Also, this embodiment does not employ a sloped wall receiver end section of the tubular receiving member 503 illustrated in the other embodiments. If desired, such a wall receiver end section could be incorporated on the receiving end of tubular receiving member 503.
- FIG. 6A and 6B illustrate another preferred alternate preferred construction of docking assembly 201.
- the cabinet type structure is replaced with a vertical support structure.
- a base plate 600 can be affixed to the vehicle flooring in the same manner as described above for base plate 204.
- a vertical support structure comprising two tubular support structures 602, 603 extends perpendicularly from the top surface 601 of base plate 600.
- one or more tubular support structures could be used.
- a top plate 604 is affixed to the tubular support structures 602, 603. Affixed at one end section 627 of the top plate 604 is receiving member 625, preferably a tubular receiving member.
- Receiving member 625 has a receiving end section 628, a main body section 629 and a stop end section 630 similar to that of receiving member 225 described above.
- the receiving end section may be a concentric reducer with a truncated cone shape (See Figure 6A).
- the receiving end section may be an eccentric reducer (See Figure 6B).
- the receiving end section 628 is constructed to have a truncated cone shape wherein the cone has been shaped to have a "D" shape cross- section.
- the receiving member 625 is also provided with at least one opening sized to allow the locking pin 637 to extend into the receiving member passageway 634.
- the top plate 604 may have an adjusting means so that the top plate is vertically adjustable, which allows for looser tolerances between the receiving member and the alignment rod.
- the adjusting means can be any conventional means such as a hinge and so forth.
- the top plate 604 may be adjusted vertically so that the alignment rod can be inserted into the passageway of the receiving member.
- the top plate 604 can be constructed of two separated plates. A first separated plate is attached to at least one of vertical support structure and a second separated plate is adjustably attached to the first separated plate to permit a variance in the position of the receiving member from the docking assembly.
- the adjusting means can be any conventional means such as a hinge and so forth.
- the locking assembly 202 may also include disengagement means 638, such as a lever, for manually disengaging locking pin assembly 635 so that the wheelchair 100 is released from the docking assembly.
- a release lever 638 is configured to disengage the locking pin 637 from the passageway 634 to release the wheelchair 100 from the locking assembly 202.
- the release lever 638 is positioned substantially parallel to the receiving member 625 and affixed to the top plate 604 at one end section 627 of the top plate 604.
- the release lever 638 may disengage the locking pin 637 in one step, but it is preferred that the release lever 638 disengage the locking pin 637 in a two step process to prevent accidentally disengagement of the wheelchair 100 from the locking assembly 202.
- the release lever 638 may be provided with a first slot 639 and a second slot 640.
- the first slot 639 is a substantially linear slot configured to allow the release lever 638 to move along an axis parallel to the receiving member 625 when the release lever 638 is subjected to a linear force.
- the second slot 640 is configured to allow the release lever 638 to move along an axis parallel to the receiving member 625 when the release lever 638 is subjected to a linear force and to move along an axis perpendicular to the receiving member 625 when the release lever 638 is subjected to a horizontal force.
- the second slot 640 is preferably an "L" shaped slot.
- the locking pin 637 may be extended and retracted manually.
- a first micro switch 636a is operatively connected to the locking assembly 202 to detect when the locking pin 637 extends to or retracts from the receiving member passageway 634.
- the end of the locking pin 637 is configured so that it retracts when the alignment rod 233 enters the receiving member passageway 634.
- the end of the locking pin 637 is angled, preferably angled to a tapered point, so that when the alignment rod 233 contacts the end of the locking pin 637, the alignment rod pushes the locking pin 637 out of the receiving member passageway 634 thereby retracing the locking pin 637.
- the alignment rod 233 moves through the receiving member passageway 634 until it is in the fully engaged position.
- the locking pin 637 extends into the window or opening provided on the receiving member passageway 634.
- the locking pin 637 may extend into the receiving member passageway 634 behind the end of the alignment rod 233 near the receiving end section 628 to secure the alignment rod 233 in position.
- the alignment rod 233 may be provided with at least one opening configured to engage the locking pin thereby securing the alignment rod 233, i.e. when the opening on the alignment rod 233 is aligned with the opening on the receiving member 625, the locking pin 637 extends through both openings to secure the mobility device.
- a second micro switch 636b is positioned to detect when alignment rod 233 is in the fully engaged position.
- the second micro switch 636b should be located near the stop end section 630 of the main body 629.
- both micro switches 636a, 636b are affixed to the top plate 604.
- the release lever 638 is pulled outward from the locking assembly 202, and then moved perpendicularly away from the receiving member 625. As the release lever 638 is moved away from the receiving member 625, the release lever 638 manually disengages the locking pin 637 and retracts the locking pin 637 from the receiving member passageway 634.
- the locking pin may be extended or retracted with the aid of a solenoid 646.
- the first micro switch 636a signals solenoid 646 to engage its locking pin 637 and lift it out of passageway 634.
- second micro switch 636a signals the solenoid 646 to magnetically disengage its locking pin 637 to permit the solenoid spring member to drive its locking pin 637 into the corresponding alignment rod opening 247.
- the locking assembly 202 may be in communication with a control module that controls the locking assembly 202, particularly the extension and retraction of the locking pin 637.
- a control module can be in communication with a control panel that allows an operator to engage or disengage the locking pin.
- the control panel may be any conventional means such as a push button control panel, a touch screen control panel, and so forth.
- the control module can be programmed with warning alarms. For example, if the micro switches 636a, 636b do not detect full engagement of the locking pin 637 or full insertion of the alignment rod 233 into the receiving member 625, the operator may be alerted by a visual alert, audio alert, or combination thereof.
- Top plate 604 in addition to providing a support to receiving member 625, can also serve as a platform on which various auxiliary elements can be affixed.
- Figure 6H illustrates still further design configurations employing auxiliary elements that can be attached to docking assembly 201.
- One such element is a shallow storage unit 662 that can be provided with a lid 663 pivotally attached to storage unit body 664.
- Other elements that may be attached to a docking assembly 201 in accordance with this invention.
- these can include a control panel 665, a day glow bezel in combination with lid; a heating unit 666 in combination with cup holder 667 and storage unit 664; the cup holder 667 may be a dual cup holder in combination with storage unit 664 having a top surface 668 to serve as an arm rest; control panel 665 in combination with a storage unit 664 having its top section shaped to serve as a dual cup holder; and a multitude of various elements further including by way of example a trash can, music player, smart phone, and/ or power adapter pack.
- Padding such as carpet, can be affixed about tubular support units 602 and 603 utilizing
- top plate 604 can be constructed of two separated plates to permit an extension of the overall width of top plate 604.
- separated plate is provided with one or more, and preferably at least two slots and that are separated to align with corresponding series of openings to permit securing bolts (not shown) to fix the plates and together to form the desired width of top plate 604.
- Cables, such as power, communication, and/ or instrument cables, may be inserted through lower opening of tubular support units 602 and/ or 603, and then through upper opening to provide power to any auxiliary elements that may be mounted to top plate 604.
- a metal cover or other suitable strong material may be fixed around the tubular support units 602 and 603 to provide protection from being hit by wheel chair 100 as it is docking or undocking.
- Figure 6G illustrates yet another auxiliary element that can be affixed to top plate 604.
- a seat belt receptacle 607 may be directly affixed to base plate 601 or affixed to a tube 650 that is affixed to the base plate 601.
- the tube may include a flexible rubber or plastic section 651 and a metal section 652.
- the flexible rubber or plastic section 651 is preferably affixed to the seat belt receptacle 607 and the metal section 652.
- the metal section is preferably affixed to the base plate 601.
- the metal section 652 may be affixed to the base plate 601 by any conventional affixing means such as bolting, welding, and so forth.
- a seat belt receptacle 607 can be affixed to top plate 604.
- the location of the seat belt receptacle 607 is not limited by the aforementioned embodiments.
- the seat belt receptacle 607 and/or tube may be located anywhere on the docking assembly 201 that is easily accessibly by a user.
- the embodiments depicted in Figures 6A-6H may also be configured to secure two wheelchairs by providing a second receiving member on the opposite side of the docking assembly as the first receiving member 625.
- the second receiving member can have its own locking assembly to secure the second wheelchair.
- the locking assembly associated with the first receiving member may be adapted to function as the securing means for both the first and second receiving members.
- Figures 7A-7C illustrates preferred embodiments of the receiving member 725 having a receiving end section 744 shaped to have a concentric reducer. It further illustrates providing the tubular receiving member 725 with slot 747 to permit the alignment of guide assembly rod 233 to enter into tubular passageway 750. It still further illustrates the use of gripping pads 799 to fit tubular receiving member 725 into a receiving tube 700 that is fixed to top plate 604.
- Figures 7D-7F illustrate an alternate preferred construction of receiving member 725 that permits receiving end section 744 to be detachable from main body section 745. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 7D- 7F, main body section 745 has a circular grove 705 into which snap fingers 706 formed on receiving end section 725 can fit and secure the receiving end section 744 to the main body section 745.
- Figure 8A illustrates wheel chair 100 being affixed to docking assembly 201.
- Figure 8B illustrates an alternate embodiment of the locking pin assembly that can be used to secure alignment rod 233 in receiving member 625.
- a device for securing a mobility device 900 may be used with a lifting device that is installed in or on a mobility vehicle or trailer.
- the device for securing a mobility device 900 comprises a docking assembly 901, a locking assembly 902, and a guide assembly 903.
- the docking assembly 901 comprises a base plate 119, e.g. a platform for a mobility device, and at least one vertical support member.
- the docking assembly 901 may also include two or more vertical support members 908, 903 as shown in Figure 9.
- the vertical support member may be vertically adjustable to move the base plate 119 vertically.
- the locking assembly 902 is affixed to the docking assembly 901.
- the locking assembly 902 may be configured in the same manner as the locking assemblies described above for the embodiments shown in 202.
- the guide assembly 203 may be configured in the same manner as the described above.
- the receiving member 925 may be open at both ends of the main body 929 to allow the alignment rod 233 to engage the receiving member 925 from either side of the receiving member 925. Both ends of the receiving member 925 may be provided with enlarged receiving ends. As described above, the locking pin may be inserted or retracted into the receiving member 925 manually or automatically.
- a mobility device such as a wheelchair or scooter, with a guide assembly affixed to it is moved onto the base plate 119, such as a mobility device platform.
- the alignment rod 233 is inserted into the receiving member 925.
- the end of the locking pin is angled, so that when the alignment rod 233 contacts the end of the locking pin the locking pin is retracted from the receiving member passageway.
- the alignment rod 233 moves through the receiving member passageway until it is in the fully engaged position.
- the locking pin When the alignment rod 233 is in the fully engaged position, the locking pin extends into the window or receiving member passageway. In a preferred embodiment, the locking pin extends into the receiving member passageway behind the end of the alignment rod near the receiving end section 928 to secure the alignment rod 233. In an alternate embodiment, the alignment rod 233 may be provided with at least one opening configured to engage the locking pin thereby securing the alignment rod 233, i.e. when the opening on the alignment rod 233 is aligned with the opening on the receiving member 925, the locking pin extends through both openings to secure the mobility device. To disengage the locking pin, the release lever manually disengages the locking pin and retracts the locking pin from the receiving member passageway and the mobility device is disengaged.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
- Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
- Automatic Cycles, And Cycles In General (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2011328979A AU2011328979B2 (en) | 2010-11-17 | 2011-11-16 | Mobility device docking system |
CA2818498A CA2818498C (en) | 2010-11-17 | 2011-11-16 | Mobility device docking system |
EP11841320.2A EP2640603A4 (en) | 2010-11-17 | 2011-11-16 | Mobility device docking system |
US13/976,754 US9079524B2 (en) | 2010-11-17 | 2011-11-16 | Mobility device docking system |
IL226385A IL226385A0 (en) | 2010-11-17 | 2013-05-16 | Mobility device docking system |
US14/799,255 US9592761B2 (en) | 2010-11-17 | 2015-07-14 | Device and method for securing a mobility device in a vehicle |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US41475610P | 2010-11-17 | 2010-11-17 | |
US61/414,756 | 2010-11-17 | ||
US201161438870P | 2011-02-02 | 2011-02-02 | |
US61/438,870 | 2011-02-02 |
Related Child Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/976,754 A-371-Of-International US9079524B2 (en) | 2010-11-17 | 2011-11-16 | Mobility device docking system |
US14/799,255 Continuation US9592761B2 (en) | 2010-11-17 | 2015-07-14 | Device and method for securing a mobility device in a vehicle |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2012068233A1 true WO2012068233A1 (en) | 2012-05-24 |
Family
ID=46084400
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2011/060964 WO2012068233A1 (en) | 2010-11-17 | 2011-11-16 | Mobility device docking system |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US9079524B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2640603A4 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2011328979B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2818498C (en) |
IL (1) | IL226385A0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012068233A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
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US9864408B2 (en) * | 2013-04-15 | 2018-01-09 | Draeger Medical Systems, Inc. | Electronic locking mechanism for a docking station |
US9597240B2 (en) | 2013-05-30 | 2017-03-21 | The Braun Corporation | Vehicle accessibility system |
EP3984413A1 (en) * | 2015-04-13 | 2022-04-20 | Steelcase Inc. | Seating arrangement |
CN105730318B (en) * | 2016-02-02 | 2018-09-11 | 北京航天发射技术研究所 | Jaw type overturns retaining mechanism |
US20180236936A1 (en) * | 2017-02-22 | 2018-08-23 | E-Z Lock, Inc. | Method for Enhancing the Safety of a Mobile Occupant Carrier In a Motor Vehicle |
CN109987016B (en) * | 2017-12-29 | 2023-12-12 | 长沙行深智能科技有限公司 | Wisdom commodity circulation car |
WO2023047418A1 (en) * | 2021-09-24 | 2023-03-30 | Yali Mobility Private Limited | Wheelchair docking mechanism for vehicles |
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2011
- 2011-11-16 US US13/976,754 patent/US9079524B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2011-11-16 EP EP11841320.2A patent/EP2640603A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2011-11-16 WO PCT/US2011/060964 patent/WO2012068233A1/en active Application Filing
- 2011-11-16 AU AU2011328979A patent/AU2011328979B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2011-11-16 CA CA2818498A patent/CA2818498C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2013
- 2013-05-16 IL IL226385A patent/IL226385A0/en unknown
-
2015
- 2015-07-14 US US14/799,255 patent/US9592761B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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US4062209A (en) * | 1976-01-19 | 1977-12-13 | Collins Industries, Inc. | Wheelchair lock |
US5026244A (en) * | 1990-05-17 | 1991-06-25 | Stewart & Stevenson Power, Inc. | Wheelchair lift apparatus for commercial vehicles |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2011328979A1 (en) | 2013-06-06 |
US20150314720A1 (en) | 2015-11-05 |
CA2818498A1 (en) | 2012-05-24 |
IL226385A0 (en) | 2013-07-31 |
US9079524B2 (en) | 2015-07-14 |
EP2640603A1 (en) | 2013-09-25 |
US20140023451A1 (en) | 2014-01-23 |
US9592761B2 (en) | 2017-03-14 |
EP2640603A4 (en) | 2016-02-17 |
CA2818498C (en) | 2019-09-17 |
AU2011328979B2 (en) | 2016-09-29 |
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