EP0409874A1

EP0409874A1 - Restraint device

Info

Publication number: EP0409874A1
Application number: EP19890904590
Authority: EP
Inventors: John Smoczynski
Original assignee: UK Secretary of State for Transport UK
Current assignee: UK Secretary of State for Transport UK
Priority date: 1988-04-09
Filing date: 1989-04-05
Publication date: 1991-01-30
Also published as: GB9021821D0; WO1989009588A1; JPH03503614A; AU3415189A; GB2237840B; GB8808357D0; GB2237840A

Abstract

On décrit un dispositif de retenue qui est simple à installer et facile à utiliser. Ce dispositif comporte une poignée (12) et un pied (18) conçu de manière à s'engager dans des moyens de retenue que l'on peut sélectionner (60, 90) avec lesquels le dispositif s'emploie, un élément de blocage du pied (26), une sangle attachée (46) et des moyens de serrage de la sangle (50). Un dispositif de déclenchement manuel (40, 80) permet de libérer simultanément l'élément de blocage du pied (26) et les moyens de serrage de la sangle (50). Ce dispositif est particulièrement utile pour retenir les chaises roulantes placées dans des véhicules automobiles, en particulier dans des véhicules des transports publics.A retainer is described which is simple to install and easy to use. This device comprises a handle (12) and a foot (18) designed so as to engage in selectable retaining means (60, 90) with which the device is used, an element for blocking the foot (26), an attached strap (46) and strap tightening means (50). A manual release device (40, 80) makes it possible to simultaneously release the blocking element of the foot (26) and the means of tightening the strap (50). This device is particularly useful for retaining wheelchairs placed in motor vehicles, in particular in public transport vehicles.

Description

RESTRAINT DEVICE This invention relates to a restraint device and is particularly, though not exclusively, concerned with restraint devices for restraining wheelchairs in motor vehicles, particularly public transport vehicles. However, the present invention is also applicable to restraint devices for loads generally, eg cargo in land-, sea- or air-borne vehicles.

Various restraint devices have been proposed for restraining wheelchairs on public transport. However, these generally suffer from the disadvantage that they are troublesome to fasten and unfasten. In particular, the restraint devices can involve the person fastening or unfastening them having to perform operations close to the floor of the ehicle, very often in a constricted space embarrassingly close to the occupant of the wheelchair. Additionally the devices are often difficult to install. The result of this is that the restraint devices are often inadequately used. There is therefore a need for a restraint device which is simple to install and which is easy for the person to operate, particularly in confined areas.

According to the present invention a restraint device for use with selectable retaining means fixed relative to a support structure, comprises a body which includes a handle, a foot fixed relative to the body, the foot being shaped for engagement with the selectable retaining means; a foot locking member mounted on the body capable of engaging with the selectable retaining means for locking the body in a position where the foot is retained by the selectable retaining means and further cable of disengaging with the selectable retaining means to allow for release of the body to allow it to be moved relative to the selectable retaining means so that the foot can be freed from the selectable retaining means; belt attachment means mounted on the body, means for tightening an attached belt, belt locking means characterised in that a manually operable trigger is adapted to simultaneously release both the locking member and the belt locking means.

The term "belt" as used herein is intended to include not only a belt but also a strap, a rope, a cable, a chain or other fastening means. The term "belt" as used herein is to be interpreted accordingly.

The trigger may be mounted for movement substantially perpendicular to the foot and may include an inclined surface to act on a caπ._j such that rotation of the cam releases the belt locking means.

Alternatively, the trigger may be mounted for pivotal movement and may include a cam such that when the trigger is operated the pivoting movement of the trigger causes the cam to rotate, such that rotation of the cam releases the belt locking means and simultaneously a vertical movement of the trigger releases the foot locking member.

The selectable retaining means may be defined by tracking of varying different types. One type of tracking has two flanges separated by a channel and has regularly spaced expansions therein. In this case, each foot of the restraint device preferably has a bar section capable of passing through the channel and a pair of lugs which are capable of passing through the expansions but not through the channel, adjacent feet being spaced apart by a multiple of the spacing between the expansions and the looking member is disposed between the pairs of feet. Another type of tracking is that which comprises regularly spaced apertures in an otherwise solid tracking into which the foot carrying at least two lugs is inserted, the lugs being spaced apart by a distance at least twice that between adjacent apertures and the locking member is disposed between two adjacent feet in a non-central position such that it can be positioned in an aperture with the lugs engaging the tracking. Alternatively, the selectable retaining means may be defined by one or more configured plates or the like which may be so shaped as to permit only limited sliding movement of the foot relative thereto an extent sufficient to enable the foot to be locked and released. In such an alternative construction, the foot is selectively engaged with one of the plates or the like according to requirements.

Preferably the belt tightening means takes the form of a reel upon which the belt can be wound.

Preferably the belt locking means comprises a pawl and ratchet mechanism for locking the reel against unreeling movement. Most conveniently, the reel is spring loaded in a direction to wind said belt onto said reel.

In order to ensure firm securing of the item to be restrained, it is preferred for the reel to be provided with a tensioning knob to facilitate tensioning of the belt on the reel.

Conveniently also, said belt terminates in a buckle or the like to permit it to be attached to another belt or fitment adapted to be secured to, connected with or engaged with the item to be restrained. The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig 1 is a side elevation of one embodiment of restraint device according to the present invention;

Fig 2 is an underneath plan view of the restraint device of Fig 1; Fig 3 is an end view of the restraint device of Figs 1 and 2;

Fig 4 is a side elevation of an alternative type of trigger for use in the restraint device according to the present invention; Fig 5 is a schematic illustration showing how a restraint device according to the present invention can be used with one type of tracking to restrain a wheelchair in a public transport vehicle and Fig 6 is an alternative type of tracking with which a restraint device according to the present invention can be used.

Referring now to the drawings, the restraint device illustrated therein comprises a moulded polypropylene body 10 including a handle portion 12 and arm portions 14 and 16. A configurated steel foot 18 is secured to the underside of the body 10 and is provided with laterally extending pairs of opposed lugs 20. Intermediate its ends, the foot 18 includes a relatively thin section 22 which is received within a slot 24 of a foot locking member 26. The foot locking member 26 is slidable relative to the foot 18 vertically (as viewed in Fig 1) between a lower, locking position (as shown in Fig 1) and an upper, release position. A compression spring 28 is lodged within the arm portion 16 to act against the foot locking member 26 to urge it resiliently into its lower, locking position. A manually operable trigger 30 is secured to the foot locking member 26 and positioned within the body 10 so that it can be easily operated by the fingers of an operator grasping the handle portion 12. Squeezing of the trigger 30 serves to lift the foot locking member 26 into its upper, release position. Release of the trigger 30 causes the foot locking member 26 to move downwardly under the action of the spring 28 into the position illustrated in Fig 1. Belt attachment means preferably in the form of a plate 32 is pivotally mounted relative to the foot 18 by means of a short pivot 34 extending upwardly from the latter and engaging in a lower end of the arm portion 14. The plate 32 has upwardly extending, mutually parallel flange portions 36. A belt reel 38 is pivotally mounted on the flange portions 36 by means of an axle 40. The axle 40 extends through both flange portions 36. A tensioning knob 42 is mounted on one end of the axle 40, whilst a spiral tensioning spring assembly 44 is mounted on the other end of the axle 40. One end of the tensioning spring is secured relative to the axle 40 whilst the other end of the tensioning spring is secured relative to the adjacent flange portion

36. A fabric belt 46 such as is commonly used in seat belt restraints is^" secured at one end to the belt reel 38 and is wound therearound in such a way that the spring assembly 44 tends to retract or reel in the belt 46 on the reel 38. The opposite end of the belt 36 terminates in a manually operable buckle 48 of the type commonly used in seat belt restraints. The reel 38 is fitted with a pawl and ratchet mechanism indicated generally at 50 in Fig 1. The ratchet is fixed for rotation with the reel 38, whilst the pawl is fitted with a pawl release member 52. A cam 54 is pivotally mounted on the arm portion 14 of the body 10 so as to engage both with the pawl release member 52 and with an inclined surface 56 on the forward face of the trigger 30. The pawl and ratchet mechanism 50 operates in a direction to permit reeling in of the belt 46 but to prevent unreeling of the belt 46 until the pawl has been disengaged from the ratchet. It will be appreciated from the above that, when the trigger 30 is operated, the cam 54 will be rotated in an anti-clockwise direction as viewed in Fig 1, thus causing the pawl release member 52 to be depressed. This moves the pawl out of engagement with the ratchet and so permits the belt 46 to be unreeled from the reel 38. An alternative arrangement for the trigger is shown in Fig 4.

In this embodiment, a trigger 80 is mounted such that it is capable of pivotal movement and includes a cam 81 integral with the trigger 80. A portion 82 engages with the compression spring 28 which is lodged within the arm portion 16 to act against the foot locking member 26 to urge it resiliently into its lower, locking position.

Squeezing of the trigger 80 causes rotation of the cam 81 which then acts on the pawl release member 52 of Fig 1 thus permitting the belt 46 to be unreeled as described above for the embodiment shown in Fig 1. Simultaneously vertical movement of portion 82 serves to lift the foot locking member 26 into its upper, release position. Release of the trigger 80 causes the foot locking member 26 to move downwardly under the action of the spring 28 into the position illustrated in Fig 4. A typical use for the above-described restraint device is illustrated in Fig 5 where a slightly different style of restraint device has been illustrated. However, the use illustrated in Fig 5 will be described with reference to the above described restraint device of Figs 1 to 4. The restraint device is used in conjunction with selectable retaining means which may take the form of -standard tracking 60 which is commonly used on public transport vehicles for the adjustable mounting of seating. One type of tracking 60 has two flanges separated by a channel, the channel having regularly spaced expansions therein to enable items to be engaged in and secured with the tracking 60. In the present case, the spacing and size of the pairs of lugs 20 on the foot 18 of the restraint device are chosen so that they can be passed through the expansions in the tracking 60 and engaged in the hollow section of the latter. The foot 18 has a width such that it can be accommodated within the slot of the tracking 60 whereby sliding movement of the foot and thus the device is permitted relative to the tracking 60 when the trigger 30 has been squeezed to move the locking member 26 into its upper, release position. However, when the trigger 30 is released, the spring 28 can move the foot locking member 26 into one of thee.fw*^°._. «r\ the tracking 60. In this position, the lugs 20 are not aligned with any of theexpansiontherein and so not only is the whole restraint device prevented from sliding relative to the tracking 60, but it is also locked against removal therefrom. Another type of tracking 90 is shown in Fig 6 and comprises a series of apertures 91 in an otherwise solid tracking. In this case each foot 18 is preferably fitted with two forward facing lugs and the spacing and size of the lugs on the foot 18 are such that they can be passed through the apertures 91 in the tracking 90. Limited sliding of the foot and thus device is permitted relative to the tracking 90 when the trigger of the device is squeezed to move the foot locking member 26 into its upper, release position. The device is slidable until each lug on the foot is retained under a solid portion of the tracking 90 adjacent the aperture into which the foot was inserted. Once this position has been attained release of the trigger causes the foot locking member 26 to be released into one of the apertures^..In this position the whole restraint device is prevented from sliding relative to the trading 90, and is locked against removal therefrom.

It will be realised that the size and shape of the apertures 91 may take various forms and the lugs 20 will be shaped accordingly. As an alternative to the use of tracking 60, individual, spaced plates secured to or in the floor or other support structure may be employed, the plates being shaped to accommodate the foot so that the latter can be engaged with a selected one of the plates according to requirements. Three or four restraint devices of the type described can be employed to hold a wheelchair 62, with two restraint devices being provided in each tracking 60.

Alternatively, two such restraint devices may be attached rearward of the wheelchair; and one or two simplified restraint devices without the reel (ie with static belts) can be attached to the front of the wheelchair.

Each restraint device can be attached to the wheelchair by engaging the buckle 48 with a tongue 64 secured to the wheelchair or to a tongue fitted to a belt having a clip or shackle which can be attached to an appropriate part of the wheelchair 62.

The restraint device is held in the hand with the trigger 30 operated so that the belt 46 is free to unreel from the reel 38 and so that the foot 18 can be engaged in the tracking 60. The restraint device can then be moved along the tracking 60 to the recommended location. Following this, the trigger 30 is released in order to lock the restraint device relative to the tracking 60 and to engage the pawl and ratchet mechanism 50. Final tensioning of the belt 46 can then be effected using the tensioning knob 42. When it is desired to release the wheelchair 62, it is merely necessary to operate the trigger 30 which permits the restraint device to be slid nearer to the wheelchair 62 to take the tension off the belt 46 so that the buckle 48 can be easily undone. In Figs 1 to 3, the reel 38 is shown exposed. However, in practice, this reel and the flange portions 36 will normally be enclosed within a housing which is illustrated schematically at 66 in FigS.

It will be realised that the size, shape and relative positions of the lugs and the foot locking member may take many different configurations without department from the scope of the invention. For example, as discussed, the foot locking member may be disposed in a position between two pairs of lugs or two forward facing lugs. Alternatively it may be disposed in a position displaced to one side of two pairs of lugs or two forward facing lugs but will always be in a position such that when the lugs engage the selectable retaining means the foot locking member can also engage it so as to lock the device against sliding.

Claims

1. A restraint device for use with selectable retaining relative to a support structure, comprising a body (10) including a handle (12), a foot (18) fixed relative to the body (10), the foot (18) being shaped for engagement with the selectable retaining means (60, 90); a foot locking member (26) mounted on the body (10) capable of engaging with the selectable retaining means (60, 90) for locking the body (10) in a position where the foot (18) is retained by the selectable retaining means (60, 90) and further capable of disengaging with the selectable retaining means (60, 90) to allow for release of the body (10) to allow it to be moved relative to the selectable retaining means (60, 90) so that me..ns the foot (18) can be freed from the selectable retaining (60, 90); belt attachement means (32) mounted on the body (10). means (38) for tightening an attached belt (46) , belt locking means (50) characterised in that a manually operable trigger (30, 80) is adapted to simultaneously release both the locking member (26) and the belt locking means (50).

2. A restraint device as claimed in Claim 1 characterised in that the trigger (30) is mounted for movement substantially perpendicular to the foot (18) and includes an inclined surface (56) which acts on a cam (54), such that rotation of the cam (54) releases the belt locking means (50).

3. A restraint device as claimed in Claim 1 characterised in that the trigger (80) is mounted for pivotal movement and includes a cam (81) such that when the trigger is operated rotation of the earn (81) releases the belt locking means (50) and simultaneously a vertical movement of the trigger (80) releases the foot locking member (26) .

4. A restraint device as claimed in any previous claim characterised in ^■being adapted for use with a selectable retaining means which comprises a tracking (60) having two flanges separated by a channel, the channel having regularly spaced expansions therein.

5. A restraint device as claimed in Claim 4 characterised in that the foot (18) of the restraint device has a bar section capable of passing through the channel and at least two pairs of lugs (20) capable of passing through the expansions but not through the channel, the pairs of lugs (20) being spaced apart by a multiple of the spacing between adjacent expansions and the foot locking member (26) being disposed between the pairs of lugs (20) .

6. A restraint device as claimed in Claim 4 characterised in being adapted for use with tracking (90) having regularly spaced apertures (91) in an otherwise solid tracking (90).

7. A restraint device as claimed in Claim 6 characterised in that the foot (18) has at least two forward facing lungs capable of being inserted into the apertures (91) the lugs being spaced apart by a distance at least twice that between adjacent apertures (91) and the foot locking member (26) is disposed in a non-central position between the lugs such that it can be positioned in an aperture (91) with the lugs engaging the tracking (90).

8. A restraint device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in being adapted for use with a selectable retaining means which comprises one or more configured plates so shaped as to permit only limited sliding movements of the foot (18) to be locked and released.

9. A restraint device as claimed in any previous claim characterised in that the belt tightening means takes the form of a reel (38).

10. A restraint device as claimed in Claim 9 characterised in that the belt locking means comprises a pawl and ratchet mechanism (50) for locking the reel (38) against unreeling movement.

11. A restraint device as claimed in Claims 9 or 10 characterised in that the reel (38) is spring loaded in a direction to wind the belt (46) onto the reel (38) .

12. A restraint device as claimed in any one of Claims 9 to 11 characterised in that the reel (38) is provided with a tensioning knob (42).

13. A restraint device as claimed in any previous claim characterised in that the belt (46) terminates in a fastening means to permit the belt to be attached to another belt or fitment adapted to be secured to or connected with or engaged with an item to be restrained.

14. A restraint device as claimed in Claim 13 characterised in that the fastening means is a buckle.

15. A wheelchair characterised in that it has at least one restrain device as claimed in any previous claim attached thereto so as to restrain movement of the wheelchair.