EP4000572B1 - Wheelchair docking system and method thereof - Google Patents
Wheelchair docking system and method thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4000572B1 EP4000572B1 EP20217237.5A EP20217237A EP4000572B1 EP 4000572 B1 EP4000572 B1 EP 4000572B1 EP 20217237 A EP20217237 A EP 20217237A EP 4000572 B1 EP4000572 B1 EP 4000572B1
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- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- docking system
- openings
- wheelchair
- coupled
- track
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Classifications
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- 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
Definitions
- the present application relates to a passenger vehicle for transporting one or more passengers, and more particularly to a docking system for releasably coupling a wheelchair to a floor in a vehicle.
- Automobile manufacturers do not currently mass-produce passenger motor vehicles specifically designed to transport passengers having physical limitations, either as a driver or as a non-driving passenger. Consequently, mass-produced passenger vehicles are modified, or retrofitted, by a number of aftermarket companies dedicated to supplying vehicles to physically limited passengers. Such vehicles can be modified by removing certain parts or structures within a vehicle and replacing those parts with parts specifically designed to accommodate the physically limited passenger. For example, in one configuration, a van or bus is retrofitted with a ramp to enable a physically limited individual using a wheelchair to enter and exit the vehicle without the assistance of another individual.
- WO 2018/184884 A1 discloses a height adjustable wheelchair docking system adapted for releasably securing a wheelchair to the floor of a transport vehicle comprising: a) a base frame with an open end, and adapted for rigid attachment to the floor of a transport vehicle; b) a middle frame adapted for sliding back and forth in a horizontal direction within the base frame and through the open end; c) means configured to slide the middle frame in relation to the base frame; and d) a top frame adapted for covering at least a part of the base frame and middle frame, and adapted to move up and down in a vertical direction in relation to the base frame when the middle frame is sliding back and forth in a horizontal direction within the base frame and through the open end.
- the top frame further comprises a female or male docking fixture adapted for locking engagement with a male or female docking fixture on a wheelchair.
- the first latching mechanism is biased to its latching position by a spring.
- the first latching mechanism comprises a locking pin.
- an actuator is coupled to the locking pin, the actuator being operably actuated between an extended position and a retracted position to move the locking pin between its latching position and its retracted position.
- a first scissor assembly is operably coupled between the upper portion and the lower portion; and a second scissor assembly operable coupled between the upper portion and the lower portion, the second scissor assembly being spaced longitudinally from the first scissor assembly.
- the first scissor assembly and the second scissor assembly each includes a first leg and a second leg, the first leg and second leg being coupled to one another via a connection pin.
- the first leg is disposed outwardly of the second leg.
- the first leg is coupled to an external location of the upper portion and an internal location of the bottom portion; the second leg is coupled to an internal location of the upper and lower portions.
- one end of the first leg is affixed to the lower portion and an opposite end is slidably coupled to the upper portion; one end of the second leg is affixed to the upper portion and an opposite end is slidably coupled to the lower portion.
- the second leg of the first scissor assembly is coupled to the second leg of the second scissor assembly via a longitudinal member.
- the first or second scissor assembly is coupled to a cross member.
- an actuator is coupled to the cross member, the actuator being operably actuated between an extended position and a retracted position to move the cross member longitudinally; wherein, as the cross member moves longitudinally, the upper portion of the frame moves between its lowered position and raised position.
- an actuator is coupled to the first latching mechanism, the actuator being operably actuated between an extended position and a retracted position to move the first latching mechanism between its latching position and its retracted position.
- the first release mechanism includes a user control for communicating with a controller, the controller operably actuating the actuator between its extended and retracted positions; a plate coupled to the first latching mechanism via a pin, the plate being coupled to the actuator; a spring for biasing the first latching mechanism to its latching position; wherein, upon receiving a command from the user control to enable the first release mechanism, the controller operably actuates the actuator which moves the plate for compressing the spring; wherein, as the spring compresses, the first latching mechanism moves from its latching position to its retracted position.
- the first latching mechanism and the second latching mechanism comprise manually-operable cables.
- the second release mechanism includes a cable operably coupled to a plate having a slot defined therein; a pin disposed within the slot for movement therein from a first position to a second position; an actuator for operably controlling the upper portion between its lowered position and its raised position, the actuator comprising a rod operably coupled to the pin; wherein, in the lowered position, the pin is disposed at a first end of the slot and the actuator is in a retracted position; wherein, as the cable is pulled, the pin moves from the first end to a second end of the slot, where movement of the pin from the first end to the second end induces the rod to extend in a longitudinal direction; further wherein, movement of the rod in the longitudinal direction induces the upper portion to move from its lowered position to its raised position.
- the system includes a first scissor assembly operably coupled between the upper portion and the lower portion; and a second scissor assembly operable coupled between the upper portion and the lower portion, the second scissor assembly being spaced longitudinally from the first scissor assembly; wherein, as the actuator moves from its retracted position to an extended position, the first and second scissor assemblies induce the movement of the upper portion from its lowered position to its raised position.
- the system may include a bracket mounted to the lower portion of the frame; and a pin coupled to the mounting bracket; wherein, the first tether strap is coupled to the pin at the one end.
- the adjustable latch is adjustably coupled to one of the plurality of openings in the flange.
- the plurality of openings is equally spaced and defined laterally in the flange to provide for a laterally adjustable coupling between the lower portion and the track system.
- the plurality of openings in the bottom panel are equally spaced and defined laterally therein.
- each of the plurality of openings defined in the flange are aligned longitudinally with at least one of the plurality of openings defined in the bottom panel.
- a body of the adjustable latch with a defined opening; and a fastener coupled to the body via the defined opening, wherein the fastener is disposed through the one of the plurality of openings in the flange and the defined opening in the body for coupling the adjustable latch to the lower portion.
- the adjustable latch comprises a tab portion, a first post and a second post, the tab portion being slidable in a generally vertical direction to releasably couple the adjustable latch to the track system.
- the tab portion is adjustable between a raised position and a lowered position, where in the lowered position the docking system is coupled to and inhibited from longitudinal movement relative to the track system, and in the raised position the docking system is longitudinally moveable relative to the track system.
- At least one retaining pin includes a neck portion and a retaining end, the at least one fastener coupling the bottom panel to the track system.
- the neck portion is disposed within one of the plurality of openings in the bottom panel.
- a vehicle in another embodiment, includes an interior cabin; a vehicle floor located in the cabin; a track system comprising at least one track, the at least one track including a plurality of receptacles and an elongated channel defined therein between a first end and a second end of the at least one track; a wheelchair docking system adjustably coupled to the track system, the wheelchair docking system comprising a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, a coupler mechanism configured to engage a wheelchair during a docking operation, a bottom panel of the lower portion comprising a plurality of openings defined therein, and a flange integrally formed in the lower portion of the frame; and a latch adjustably coupling the wheelchair docking system to the track system, the latch being coupled to the lower portion via the flange; wherein, each of the plurality of receptacles are equally spaced from an adjacent receptacle; wherein, the flange comprises a plurality of openings defined therein such that the latch is coupled to the docking
- the track system is mounted directly to a top surface of the vehicle floor.
- the plurality of openings in the flange and the plurality of openings in the bottom panel are equally spaced and defined laterally to provide for a laterally adjustable coupling between the docking system and the track system.
- each of the plurality of openings defined in the flange are longitudinally aligned with at least one of the plurality of openings defined in the bottom panel.
- the latch comprises a body with an opening defined therein; a tab portion being slidable in a generally vertical direction to releasably couple the latch to the track system; a first post and a second post; and a fastener coupled to the body via the defined opening, wherein the fastener is disposed through the one of the plurality of openings in the flange and the opening in the body for coupling the latch to the docking system.
- the tab portion is adjustable between a raised position and a lowered position, where in the lowered position the tab portion is disposed within a first receptacle of the plurality of receptacles of the at least one track, and in the raised position the tab portion is released from the first receptacle such that the docking system and latch are longitudinally moveable relative to the track system.
- At least one retaining pin includes a neck portion and a retaining end, the at least one fastener coupling the bottom panel to the track system.
- the neck portion is aligned with and disposed within one of the plurality of openings in the bottom panel and the channel of the at least one track; the retaining end is disposed within one of the receptacles of the plurality of receptacles.
- the at least one track comprises a first track and a second track, the first track and second track being laterally spaced from one another and coupled to the vehicle floor.
- a docking assembly for coupling a wheelchair to a floor of a vehicle includes a track system comprising a first track and a second track, the first and second tracks each including a first end, a second end, a plurality of receptacles, and an elongated channel defined therein between the first end and the second end; a wheelchair docking system adjustably coupled to the track system, the wheelchair docking system comprising a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, a coupler mechanism configured to engage the wheelchair, a bottom panel of the lower portion comprising a plurality of openings defined therein, and a flange integrally formed with the lower portion of the frame; a first fastener adjustably coupling the wheelchair docking system to the first track, the first fastener being coupled to the frame via the flange; and a second fastener adjustably coupling the wheelchair docking system to the second track, the second fastener being coupled to the frame via the flange.
- each of the first and second fasteners includes a tee-bolt, where the tee-bolt comprises an elongated member and at least one stud extending therefrom.
- a wheelchair 100 is depicted.
- the wheelchair 100 may include a frame 102 supported by one or more wheels 104.
- a brake or anti-tilt/tip mechanism 106 may be located at one or more wheels 104 for slowing down or keeping the wheels 104 from turning, if necessary.
- the wheelchair 100 may be a powered wheelchair or a manually-operated wheelchair. Any type of wheelchair 100 is applicable to the present disclosure.
- the wheelchair 100 is shown located in an interior of a vehicle which has a vehicle floor 108.
- the vehicle floor 108 may be the original OEM vehicle floor, or it may be a modified vehicle floor to accommodate a ramp or wheelchair lift assembly.
- the wheelchair 100 may be maneuvered such that the physically limited individual operating or positioned in the wheelchair may be positioned in any location of the vehicle, including at the driver's position of the vehicle.
- a physically limited individual may drive the vehicle so long as the wheelchair is properly latched or connected to the vehicle floor in at least one or two manners.
- Most conventional wheelchairs are attached to the vehicle via an attendant using four securement belts at each corner of the wheelchair.
- most conventional wheelchairs require an aftermarket, conventional wheelchair docking system in which a bolt or other bolt-like feature connected to a bottom of the chair and protruding downward toward the floor. The bolt may then be received by a conventional docking system which is bolted through to the floor.
- the conventional docking system has a mechanism which receives and latches to the bolt, thereby holding the wheelchair to the vehicle floor. Additional mechanisms may be used to further support and fasten the wheelchair to the vehicle floor.
- the bolt protrudes downwardly from the wheelchair and leaves very little clearance between the floor and the bolt.
- the bolt can often contact objects and the like that the wheelchair would otherwise clear.
- the bolt does contact an object, it can cause the wheelchair to tip forward or rearward, or become obstructed with.
- the object may be dragged by the bolt until it can be cleared from underneath the wheelchair.
- it is disadvantageous to have a bolt protruding downwardly from the wheelchair and reducing the clearance between the wheelchair and floor.
- an improved docking system 112 allows for the wheelchair 100 to have greater clearance between it and the floor 108.
- the docking system 112 includes a first latching mechanism for coupling to a coupling device 110 on the wheelchair 100, and a second latching mechanism for coupling the wheelchair 100 to the vehicle floor 108 and preventing it from tilting to the left or right as the vehicle makes a turn.
- the present disclosure provides a better connection between the wheelchair 100 and the vehicle floor 108, and one which is safer over conventional docking systems.
- the present disclosure provides a track system 114 which allows the docking system 112 to be adjusted longitudinally along the vehicle floor 108 for different sized passengers.
- the bottom portion of the wheelchair 100 is better shown.
- the wheelchair 100 has a bottom surface 116 to which the coupling device 110 is connected via one or more fasteners.
- the coupling device 110 may be a substantially U-shaped bracket 200 formed by a first leg 202 and a second leg 204. The first and second legs are spaced from one another to define an opening 206 therebetween. In Fig. 2 , the opening 206 is oriented towards a front end 208 of the wheelchair 100 rather than a rear end 210.
- the opening 206 in the bracket 200 is configured to engage with the docking system 112.
- the docking system 112 may include a frame 216 and a coupler mechanism 218 as shown in Fig. 2 .
- the coupler mechanism 218 may comprise a neck portion 402 ( Fig. 4 ) that extends upwardly from the frame 216 and terminates at a disk-shaped top portion 222.
- the bracket 200 comes into contact with the coupler mechanism 218.
- the coupler mechanism 218 is received within the opening 206 of the coupling device 110, and the first leg 202 and second leg 204 are received within a space 400 ( Fig.
- first leg 202 and second leg 204 may be in close proximity or contact with the neck portion 402 of the coupler mechanism 218.
- the docking system 112 may further include a retractable locking pin 224.
- the locking pin 224 may have an angled surface which comes into contact with a first surface 226 of the bracket 200 causing the locking pin 224 to be pushed downwardly into an opening.
- a spring 512 ( Fig. 5 ) may bias the locking pin 224 to its upward position of Fig. 2 . In the upward position, the bracket 200 is retained between the coupler mechanism 218 and the locking pin 224.
- This connection between the wheelchair 100 and docking system 112 may establish a first of at least two latching mechanisms of the present disclosure.
- the aforementioned track system 114 of the present disclosure is also shown in Fig. 2 .
- the track system 114 may include a first track 212 and a second track 214.
- the docking system 112 may be movably coupled to the first and second tracks, which is shown in greater detail in Figs. 9 and 10 .
- a quick-connect track fitting such as an aluminum track fitting is used for engaging with the tracks.
- the first and second tracks 212, 214 may be installed at the factory rather than as an after-market part. In doing so, the tracks can be strategically positioned and mounted to the vehicle floor without requiring any drilling through the vehicle floor during installation.
- the area below the vehicle floor continues to be filled with electrical modules and harnesses, the fuel system, emissions control equipment, and batteries in the case of electric vehicles.
- any through-floor drilling runs the risk of damaging any of the systems located underneath the floor.
- any new holes drilled through the vehicle floor can invite moisture and other contaminants into the cabin of the vehicle which can be undesirable for many reasons.
- a method of installing the tracks and docking system in a vehicle includes mounting the tracks to the vehicle floor without requiring any through-floor drilling and/or bolting.
- the tracks may be mounted in any known way including welding, adhering or fastening.
- the floor may be prepared with holes for assembling the track thereto before any control systems, electrical equipment, fuel lines, exhaust lines, etc. is mounted underneath the floor.
- the tracks are mounting entirely within the cabin and directly to the vehicle floor surface.
- a lower portion 302 of the frame 216 of the docking system 112 is shown.
- a flange 910 may protrude rearwardly from the lower portion 302 as shown.
- the docking system 112 spans a gap defined between the first track 212 and second track 214. In some instances, the gap therebetween may be different or adjustable depending upon the vehicle.
- the flange 910 may include a plurality of openings 1004 ( Fig. 10 ) to adjustably couple the docking system 112 to the track system 114.
- the docking system 112 may include a bottom plate or panel 1006 which define a plurality of openings 1008 therein as well.
- the plurality of openings 1008 are also to accommodate different gaps between the first and second tracks.
- Each of the tracks may include a body that has a bottom portion 1020 and a top portion 1022.
- the top portion 1022 may have an outer lip that extends outwardly on both sides, as shown in Fig. 10 .
- each track defines a plurality of receptacles 1000 configured to receive the docking system 112.
- the plurality of receptacles 1000 may include a first receptacle 902, a second receptacle 904, a third receptacle 906, a fourth receptacle 908, and so forth.
- Each of the plurality of receptacles 1000 is equally spaced from an adjacent receptacle along each longitudinal track.
- a narrower channel 1024 connects each adjacent receptacle to another receptacle, as shown in Fig. 10 .
- the channel 1024 may extend from a first end of each track 212, 214 to an opposite end thereof.
- the docking system 112 may be movably coupled to the track system 114 via an adjustable latch 900.
- the adjustable latch 900 may include a body 918 that defines an opening 1002 for receiving a fastener 916.
- the fastener 916 may fit through one of the plurality of openings 1004 in the flange 910 and further coupled to the body 918.
- the body 918 may include internal threads to which the fastener 916 may be coupled.
- the fastener 916 may couple to the body 918 in any conventional manner.
- the adjustable latch 900 may include a tab portion 912 which may be slidable in an upward direction 914 as shown in Fig. 9A . As the tab portion 912 is moved in the upward direction 914, it may be released from being disposed in one of the plurality of receptacles 1000. As a result, the adjustable latch 900 can be used to move the docking system 112 in a longitudinal direction 1026 relative to the track system 114. Moreover, as the docking system 112 is moved, a first post 1016 and a second post 1018 on each adjustable latch 900 may slide through the narrow channel 1024 until the tab 912 is repositioned in a different receptacle.
- the adjustable latch 900 may be located on the rear of the docking system 112. At the front of the docking system, a pair of retaining pins may be engaged with the first track 212 and second track 214. Each retaining pin may include a neck portion 1014 and a retaining end 1012. A nut 1010 or other fastener may be threadedly coupled to the neck portion 1014 of each retaining pin. Thus, the retaining pin is coupled to the bottom panel 1006 of the docking system.
- the retaining pin unlike the adjustable latch 900, remains coupled to the docking system and may slide in the longitudinal direction 1026 through the channel 1024 as the docking system 112 is adjusted.
- the neck portion is aligned within the channel 1024 whereas the retaining end is disposed within one the receptacles.
- the retaining end is permitted to move within the channel 1024 when the docking system 112 is adjusted longitudinally relative to the first and second tracks.
- the openings 1004 in the flange 910 and the openings 1008 in the bottom plate 1006 allow for the docking system 112 to be adjusted side-to-side or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 1026.
- the adjustable latches 900 may be positioned in any one of three of the openings 1004 in the flange 910 and the necks 1014 may be positioned in any one of three openings in the bottom plate 1006. While in the illustrated embodiment there are three openings 1004, 1008, in other embodiments there may be two or more openings, i.e., two openings, four openings, five openings, six openings, etc.
- the side-to-side or lateral adjustability, as well as the fore-and-aft adjustability, can allow a wheelchaired passenger to use the docking system as either a driver or passenger.
- the docking system 112 is shown coupled to the track system 114.
- the docking system 112 may include a top portion 300 and a bottom portion 302.
- the bottom portion 302 has been described with respect to Figs. 9-10 above and include the bottom panel 1006 and flange 910.
- the top portion 300 forms part of the frame 216 to which the coupler mechanism 218 and locking pin 224 are connected.
- the docking system 112 is shown in its lowered position 308, whereas in Fig. 3B the docking system 112 is in its raised position 338.
- the docking system 112 is in its raised position 338 when it is not engaged with the wheelchair 100.
- the docking system 112 includes a switch 304 for detecting the presence of the bracket 200 and wheelchair 100.
- a wire or other means may electrically couple the switch 304 to a controller 1102 ( Fig. 11 ) for communicating with the driver or physically limited individual that the bracket 200 is coupled to the docking system 112.
- the controller 1102 or a control system 1100 may receive a signal from the switch 304 and display a signal or illuminate a light on a dashboard 1112 of the vehicle indicating the connection.
- a second wire or cable 306 is shown in Fig. 3A .
- This wire or cable 306 may be coupled to a first actuator 334 as shown in Fig. 3B .
- a control button 1108 located in the vehicle may be electrically coupled to the actuator 334 via the wire or cable 306.
- the controller 1102 or control system 1100 may automatically communicate with the actuator 334 to trigger it between an extended and retracted position.
- the actuator 334 forms part of the second latching mechanism of the present disclosure.
- the sensor 304 When the sensor 304 detects that the wheelchair is engaged by the coupler mechanism 218 and locking pin 224, it may send a signal to a controller 1102 to automatically trigger the actuator 334. Alternatively, the signal may be displayed on a dashboard 1112 or display screen 1110 in the cab of the vehicle, and the operator may manually trigger the actuator 334. As the actuator 334 extends and retracts, the top portion 300 may move upwards or downwards relative to the lower or bottom portion 302. In other words, the actuator 334 may control the movement of the docking system 112 between its raised position 338 of Fig. 3B and its lowered position 308 of Fig. 3A .
- the docking system 112 may include a front scissor assembly 310 on a front end thereof and a rear scissor assembly 312 on a rear side thereof. Moreover, there may be a front scissor assembly 310 and rear scissor assembly 312 on both the left and right sides of the docking system 112.
- the front scissor assembly 310 and rear scissor assembly 312 may include a pair of legs. For example, each assembly may include a first leg 314 and a second leg 316. The first leg 314 may be disposed outwardly of the second leg 316.
- first leg 314 may be coupled to an outside location of the top portion 300 of the docking system 112 and an inside location of the bottom portion 302.
- the second leg 316 may be coupled at an inside location of the top and bottom portions of the docking system 112, as shown in Fig. 3B .
- the first leg 314 and second leg 316 may be coupled at an approximate midpoint along the length of each leg.
- the first leg 314 and second leg 316 may be pivotally coupled via a connection pin 330 or fastener.
- the first leg 314 and second leg 316 can therefore pivot relative to one another about an axis defined by the connection pin 330. This is the only coupling point between the first and second legs.
- the first leg 314 may be fixedly coupled at one end thereof to the bottom portion 302 of the docking system 112 via a fastener 318. Thus, the first leg 314 cannot move laterally relative to the bottom portion 302 at this location.
- the first leg 314 may be movably coupled to the top portion 300 via a pin 326.
- the pin 326 can move within a longitudinal slot 328 defined in the top portion 300 of the docking system 112.
- the actuator 334 extends and retracts, the first leg 314 remains fixed at one end to the bottom portion 302 via the fastener 318 but moves longitudinally in the slot 328 at an opposite end thereof.
- the second leg 316 includes two ends. At a first end, the second leg 316 is fixedly coupled to the top portion 300 via a fastener 326. At an opposite second end, the second leg 316 is movably coupled to the bottom portion 302 via a pin 320. The pin 320 is able to move longitudinally within a longitudinal slot 322 defined in the bottom portion 302.
- first and second legs of the front scissor assembly 310 is equally applicable to the front scissor assembly 310 on the opposite side of the docking system 112 as shown in Fig. 3B .
- the rear scissor assembly 312 functions in the same manner. Thus, for sake of brevity, the manner in which the rear scissor assembly 312 operates will not be described.
- the rear scissor assembly 312 is also coupled to a cross member 332 as shown in Fig. 3B .
- the cross member 332 extends the width of the docking system 112 and is coupled to the pins 320 and second leg 316.
- the cross member 332 may be coupled to the actuator 334 via a connector 700 ( Fig. 7 ).
- the connector 700 is shown as a bolt 504 that couples a rod 502 of the actuator 334 to the cross member 332.
- the cross member 332 may move longitudinally. Since the cross member 332 is coupled to the second legs 316, movement of the cross member 332 in a longitudinal direction 500 ( Fig. 5 ) via the actuator 334 may in turn induce the second legs 316 to move longitudinally within the longitudinal slots 322.
- the second leg 316 of the rear scissor assembly 312 may be coupled to the second leg 316 of the front scissor assembly 310 via a longitudinal member 336.
- longitudinal movement of the second leg 316 of the rear scissor assembly 312 is in turn translated into longitudinal movement in the same direction of the second leg 316 of the front scissor assembly 310.
- the docking system 112 is capable of moving between its raised position 338 and lowered position 308 via actuation of the first actuator 334.
- the bottom portion 302 of the docking system 112 may include a first recess 340 and a second recess 342 for receiving the connection pin 330 of the front and rear scissor assemblies in the lowered position 308.
- the locking pin 224 provides a first latching mechanism to connect the wheelchair 100 to the docking system 112, and the actuation of the docking system 112 to its lowered position functions as a second latching mechanism for holding the wheelchair 100 more securely during vehicle operation.
- first and second latching mechanisms are able to securely couple the wheelchair 100 to the vehicle floor 108
- it is desirable to manually release the latching mechanisms For example, if the vehicle is involved in an accident or there is an emergency, it may be necessary to unlatch the chair from the floor. Alternatively, if the vehicle loses electrical power, it may be necessary to manually release the wheelchair from the docking system 112. To do so, there are two release systems in place for this.
- a first of the release systems is depicted.
- a first release mechanism 506 is shown for releasing the locking pin 224 and allowing the wheelchair to move away from the docking system 112.
- a second actuator 600 is provided for moving the locking pin 224 between its upward and downward positions.
- the second actuator 600 may be controlled by a controller 1102 such as the vehicle controller 1114 or any other controller.
- a controller 1102 for only controlling the docking system 112 may be provided.
- the controller 1102 may be in communication with the vehicle controller 1114 and/or any other controller of the vehicle (e.g., transmission controller 1118, engine controller 1116, etc.) over a communication link such as CAN, J-1939, etc.
- the second actuator 600 may be coupled to a plate 604 as shown in Fig. 6 .
- the actuator 600 As the actuator 600 is actuated between an extended and retracted position, it induces movement of the plate 604.
- the plate 604 As the plate 604 is moved, it is coupled to the locking pin 224 via a pin 602 to move it in a downward position to compress a spring 512.
- the actuator 600 may provide sufficient force to the plate 604 to compress the spring 512 and move the locking pin to a retracted position such as shown in Fig. 5A .
- the spring 512 may bias the locking pin 224 to its upright position of Fig. 5B .
- control of the second actuator 600 allows for releasing the locking pin 224 when desired.
- the locking pin 224 and pin 602 may move in a direction indicated by arrow 610 in Fig. 6 .
- a button or other control 1108 may be in the vehicle to allow the wheelchaired passenger or other individual to control the actuator 600.
- the button or control 1108 may be manually triggered, which sends a signal to a controller 1102 which in turn commands the actuator 600 to actuate between its extended and retracted positions.
- a controller 1102 may be manually triggered, which sends a signal to a controller 1102 which in turn commands the actuator 600 to actuate between its extended and retracted positions.
- an alternative embodiment would be for the controller 1102 to automatically detect a condition to release the locking pin 224.
- the controller 1102 may include logic, software, or an algorithm to operate from for actuating the first and second actuators of the present disclosure.
- the first release mechanism 506 may include a cable or cord 608 of which a user may pull to retract the locking pin 224 from its latched position of Fig. 5B .
- the cable or cord 608 may be coupled to a cable 508 as shown in Fig. 5A , and one end of the cable 508 may be coupled to the locking pin 224 via a set screw 514 or other fastener.
- movement of the cable 508 induces the locking pin 224 to move downward and compress the spring 512.
- the cable 508 passes through a ferrule 516 as shown in Fig. 5B .
- a bracket 510 is further coupled to the cable 508.
- the bracket 510 may be similar to or the same as the plate 604.
- a ball 606 or other feature may be coupled to the cord 608 and rests against the plate 604 as shown in Fig. 6 .
- a sensor 518 may be provided for detecting a position of the locking pin 224 and communicate this to a controller 1102 or display the position on a dashboard 1112 or other display 1110 in the vehicle. Thus, the operator and/or wheel chaired passenger will know the position of the locking pin 224 based on the detection made by the sensor 518.
- the release mechanism 506 is useful to release the locking pin 224 and allow the wheelchair to be disengaged from the docking system 112.
- a second release mechanism 706 is shown for raising the docking system 112 from its lowered position 308 to its raised position 338.
- the second release mechanism 706 may include a safety strap or cable 220 that is coupled to a plate 708 via a fastener 710.
- a spring 344 may be coupled between the plate 708 and the bottom portion 302 of the docking system 112.
- the spring 344 may include a first hook end 702 coupled to the bottom portion 302 and a second hook end 704 coupled to the plate 708.
- the plate 708 may further be coupled to the docking system 112 via a first connector 714.
- the plate 708 may include an L-shaped slot 716 defined therein.
- a pin 712 may slide or otherwise move within the slot 716.
- the pin 712 may be coupled to a rod 806 of the first actuator 334 as shown in Figs. 7 and 8 . As the pin 712 moves within the slot 716, the rod 806 may extend or retract.
- the docking system 112 may be in its lowered position 308.
- the spring 344 is in its free, extended or uncompressed position 718.
- the pin 712 is located at a first end of the slot 716 and the actuator rod 806 is in its retracted position.
- the strap or cable 220 may be pulled to achieve a release configuration 800 thereby causing the pin 712 to move within the slot 716 to an opposite end thereof.
- the spring 344 is extended along direction 802.
- the pin 712 induces the rod 806 to extend along direction 804 in Fig. 8 .
- the first and second scissor assemblies may raise the docking system 112 an amount equivalent to the length of the slot to relieve down pressure.
- the second release mechanism 706 is capable of transferring the docking system 112 from its lowered position 308 to its raised position 338. Stated another way, a clamping force on the docking system 112 is in effect relieved.
- the wheelchair 100 may be manually disengaged and released from the docking system 112 as necessary.
- the control system 1100 may include a controller 1102 which includes a memory unit and processor.
- the memory is capable of storing logic, algorithms, software, etc. for performing one or more tasks.
- the memory may further store information, collect data, and receive information from other controllers such as a vehicle controller 1114, engine controller 1116, and transmission controller 1118.
- the processor or processing unit may be capable of executing the logic, algorithms, software, etc.
- the controller 1102 is a stand-alone controller for controlling the docking system 112.
- the controller 1102 may be the vehicle controller 1114, the engine controller 1116, the transmission controller 1118, or any other controller found on a vehicle.
- the controller 1102 may be remotely located from the vehicle and communicate with the docking system over a wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi.
- the controller 1102 may be in communication with a user control 1108 which may be located in the vehicle. Alternatively, the user control 1108 may be remote from the vehicle. In any event, a user such as the wheelchaired passenger or vehicle operator may send instructions to the controller 1102 by actuating the user control 1108.
- the controller 1102 may communicate with the user by displaying a signal, data, information, instructions, etc. via a display 1110 or dashboard 1112.
- the display 1110 or dashboard 1112 may be located in the vehicle.
- the display 1110 may be a computer display.
- the signal may be communicated by illuminating a light in the vehicle to alert the user that the docking station 112 is engaged with the wheelchair 110 or vice versa. Other types of signals are also possible.
- the controller 1102 may be in communication with the first actuator 334 and second actuator 600 of the docking system 112. In this manner, the controller 1102 may command either or both actuators to extend or retract. This may be based on a user command via the user control 1108, or it may be part of the control logic, algorithms, software, etc. executed by the processor of the controller 1102.
- the controller 1102 may receive signals from one or more sensors.
- the sensor 518 may detect the position of the locking pin 224 and communicate this position to the controller 1102.
- a second sensor 1104 may detect a position of the first actuator 334 and/or second actuator 600.
- the controller 1102 may command the actuator 334 to extend by a desired amount.
- the second sensor 1104 may detect how much the actuator 334 has extended and communicate the same to the controller 1102. In this way, the controller 1102 receives feedback from the sensor 1104 and can further adjust its commands to either actuator.
- the control system 1100 may include a third sensor 1106 which may be positioned on the docking system 112 and is able to detect an oncoming wheelchair 100.
- the third sensor 1106 may be a proximity sensor, Hall Effect sensor, or any other type of sensor.
- the third sensor 1106 may detect a height or clearance between a bracket 200 on the approaching wheelchair 100 and communicate the same to the controller 1102.
- the controller 1102 may actuate the first actuator to cause the docking system 112 to move upwards or downwards based on the detected clearance by the third sensor 1106.
- the second sensor 1104 can detect how far and in what direction the actuator 334 moves in order to determine if the actuator 334 responded correctly based on the instruction from the controller 1102.
- a fourth sensor may detect the height of the coupler mechanism 218 relative to the vehicle floor 108 and communicate the same to the controller 1102.
- the controller 1102 is able to receive signals indicative of an approaching wheelchair 100, the desired height of the docking system 112 for receiving the wheelchair 100, the actual height of the docking system 112, and the responsiveness of the first actuator 334 for adjusting the height of the docking system 112.
- control system 1100 may be performed by the control system 1100 for docking the wheelchair 100 to the docking system 112.
- One or more controllers may execute the control logic or algorithms.
- the wheelchair may include a controller or transmitter for communicating with the control system 1100. In this manner, the transmitter or controller on the wheelchair may alert the controller 1102 or third sensor 1106 of its approach.
- FIGs. 12 and 13 a different embodiment of a wheelchair docking system 1200 is illustrated.
- features in the embodiment of Figs. 12 and 13 that remain unchanged from the embodiments in Figs. 1-11 include the same reference number. For this reason, only the features that have changed between embodiments will be addressed.
- the wheelchair docking system 1200 may include a lower protective shroud 1202 and an upper protective shroud 1204.
- the lower protective shroud 1202 may be formed of a plastic material formed by any known process such as injection molding.
- the upper protective shroud 1204 may be formed of sheet metal or similar material. The pair of shrouds provide additional safety and aesthetic benefits to the wheelchair docking system 1200.
- the docking system 1200 may also include a plurality of tether assemblies for increased structural integrity and improvement.
- a rear tether assembly 1206 is depicted in Figs. 12 and 13 having a rear load tether strap 1208.
- the rear load tether strap 1208 may be coupled at one end to a pin 1302 which is affixed to a mounting bracket 1300.
- the mounting bracket 1300 may be welded or otherwise coupled to the lower portion 302 of the system 1200.
- the pin 1302 may pivot or rotate about an axis within the bracket 1300.
- the rear load tether strap 1208 may be coupled at its opposite end to the top portion 300 of the system.
- the rear tether assembly 1206 may be approximately centrally located as shown in Figs. 12 and 13 .
- the top portion 300 may be a cast material for improved structural integrity.
- the wheelchair docking system 1200 may also include a pair of front tether assemblies.
- a first front tether assembly 1210 may be located at a first front corner and a second front tether assembly 1212 may be located at a second front corner.
- Each tether assembly may include a tether strap similar to that of the rear tether assembly 1206.
- the first front tether assembly 1210 may include a tether strap 1304 and the second front tether assembly 1212 may include a tether strap 1306.
- Each tether strap 1304, 1306 may be coupled at one end to the lower portion 302 and at the opposite end to the top portion 302.
- the docking system 1200 may also include an upper and lower gussets.
- the lower gusset 1308 is located at the front scissor assembly 310.
- the upper gusset which is not shown in Figs. 12 and 13 , is also located at the front scissor assembly 310.
- Each gusset may be welded to the system.
- the lower gusset 1308 may be welded to the lower portion 302, whereas the upper gusset may be welded to the top portion 300.
- a plurality of fasteners or stud bolts may be used to further couple the wheelchair docking system 1200 to the tracks 212, 214.
- a pair of stud or tee-bolts 1310 is shown at approximately each front corner of the system 1200 to add further structural integrity to the overall system.
- a tee-bolt 1312 may be used.
- the tee-bolt 1312 may include an elongated member 1400 configured to slide or move within the channel 1024 of each track.
- the elongated member 1400 may include a narrow raised portion 1318 that is also capable of moving within the narrow channel 1024.
- the tee-bolt 1312 may comprise one or more studs 1320 extending from the elongated portion 1400.
- each tee-bolt 1321 includes two studs 1318 extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from the elongated member 1400.
- a plurality of fasteners may couple to the studs for securing the tee-bolt to the docking station 112.
- a first bolt 1314 and a second bolt 1316 are shown in Fig. 13 for each tee-bolt 1312.
- These bolts or fasteners rigidly couple each stud of the respective tee-bolt 1312 to the docking system 112 to allow the docking system 112 to move smoothly within each track.
- the elongated members 1400 may include a substantially flat bottom surface to allow it to smoothly slide or move within the tracks.
- the bottom surface of each of the elongated members 1400 may be approximately parallel to a bottom surface of the lower portion 302 of the frame 216, as shown in Fig. 14 . This can help ensure smooth movement of the docking system 112 along the tracks.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Automatic Cycles, And Cycles In General (AREA)
- Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
- Accommodation For Nursing Or Treatment Tables (AREA)
Description
- The present application relates to a passenger vehicle for transporting one or more passengers, and more particularly to a docking system for releasably coupling a wheelchair to a floor in a vehicle.
- Automobile manufacturers do not currently mass-produce passenger motor vehicles specifically designed to transport passengers having physical limitations, either as a driver or as a non-driving passenger. Consequently, mass-produced passenger vehicles are modified, or retrofitted, by a number of aftermarket companies dedicated to supplying vehicles to physically limited passengers. Such vehicles can be modified by removing certain parts or structures within a vehicle and replacing those parts with parts specifically designed to accommodate the physically limited passenger. For example, in one configuration, a van or bus is retrofitted with a ramp to enable a physically limited individual using a wheelchair to enter and exit the vehicle without the assistance of another individual.
- Other known products for retrofitting a vehicle, such as a van, bus, sport-utility vehicle, or motor coach, include wheel chair lifts, lift platforms, ramps, wheelchair docks, securement systems, and lowered floor surfaces. In some instances, a floor of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vehicle is completely removed and replaced, lowered or otherwise modified to accommodate the entry and exit of the physically limited individual through a side door or entrance of the vehicle.
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WO 2018/184884 A1 discloses a height adjustable wheelchair docking system adapted for releasably securing a wheelchair to the floor of a transport vehicle comprising: a) a base frame with an open end, and adapted for rigid attachment to the floor of a transport vehicle; b) a middle frame adapted for sliding back and forth in a horizontal direction within the base frame and through the open end; c) means configured to slide the middle frame in relation to the base frame; and d) a top frame adapted for covering at least a part of the base frame and middle frame, and adapted to move up and down in a vertical direction in relation to the base frame when the middle frame is sliding back and forth in a horizontal direction within the base frame and through the open end. The top frame further comprises a female or male docking fixture adapted for locking engagement with a male or female docking fixture on a wheelchair. - The scope of the invention is set out in the appended claims. In a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a wheelchair docking system for being coupled to a floor includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being movable relative to the lower portion between a lowered position and a raised position; a coupler mechanism configured to engage a wheelchair during a docking operation, the coupler mechanism being positioned on the upper portion; a first latching mechanism being movable between a retracted position and a latching position, the first latching mechanism spaced from the coupler mechanism; and a second latching mechanism for moving the upper portion of the frame between its lowered position and raised position; wherein, the first latching mechanism is partially retracted by a wheelchair during the docking operation; wherein, the first latching mechanism is biased to its latching position when the coupler mechanism engages the wheelchair.
- In a first example of this embodiment, the first latching mechanism is biased to its latching position by a spring. In a second example, the first latching mechanism comprises a locking pin. In a third example, an actuator is coupled to the locking pin, the actuator being operably actuated between an extended position and a retracted position to move the locking pin between its latching position and its retracted position.
- In a fourth example, a first scissor assembly is operably coupled between the upper portion and the lower portion; and a second scissor assembly operable coupled between the upper portion and the lower portion, the second scissor assembly being spaced longitudinally from the first scissor assembly. In a fifth example, the first scissor assembly and the second scissor assembly each includes a first leg and a second leg, the first leg and second leg being coupled to one another via a connection pin. In a sixth example, the first leg is disposed outwardly of the second leg.
- In a seventh example, the first leg is coupled to an external location of the upper portion and an internal location of the bottom portion; the second leg is coupled to an internal location of the upper and lower portions. In an eighth example, one end of the first leg is affixed to the lower portion and an opposite end is slidably coupled to the upper portion; one end of the second leg is affixed to the upper portion and an opposite end is slidably coupled to the lower portion. In a ninth example, the second leg of the first scissor assembly is coupled to the second leg of the second scissor assembly via a longitudinal member.
- In a tenth example, the first or second scissor assembly is coupled to a cross member. In an eleventh example, an actuator is coupled to the cross member, the actuator being operably actuated between an extended position and a retracted position to move the cross member longitudinally; wherein, as the cross member moves longitudinally, the upper portion of the frame moves between its lowered position and raised position.
- In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a wheelchair docking system for being coupled to a floor includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being movable relative to the lower portion between a lowered position and a raised position; a coupler mechanism configured to engage a wheelchair during a docking operation, the coupler mechanism being positioned on the upper portion; a first latching mechanism being movable between a retracted position and a latching position, the first latching mechanism spaced from the coupler mechanism; a second latching mechanism for moving the upper portion of the frame between its lowered position and raised position; a first release mechanism for operably controlling movement of the first latching mechanism; and a second release mechanism for operably controlling the second latching mechanism to move the upper portion from its lowered position to its raised position.
- In one example of this embodiment, an actuator is coupled to the first latching mechanism, the actuator being operably actuated between an extended position and a retracted position to move the first latching mechanism between its latching position and its retracted position. In a second example, the first release mechanism includes a user control for communicating with a controller, the controller operably actuating the actuator between its extended and retracted positions; a plate coupled to the first latching mechanism via a pin, the plate being coupled to the actuator; a spring for biasing the first latching mechanism to its latching position; wherein, upon receiving a command from the user control to enable the first release mechanism, the controller operably actuates the actuator which moves the plate for compressing the spring; wherein, as the spring compresses, the first latching mechanism moves from its latching position to its retracted position.
- In another example, the first latching mechanism and the second latching mechanism comprise manually-operable cables. In a further example, the second release mechanism includes a cable operably coupled to a plate having a slot defined therein; a pin disposed within the slot for movement therein from a first position to a second position; an actuator for operably controlling the upper portion between its lowered position and its raised position, the actuator comprising a rod operably coupled to the pin; wherein, in the lowered position, the pin is disposed at a first end of the slot and the actuator is in a retracted position; wherein, as the cable is pulled, the pin moves from the first end to a second end of the slot, where movement of the pin from the first end to the second end induces the rod to extend in a longitudinal direction; further wherein, movement of the rod in the longitudinal direction induces the upper portion to move from its lowered position to its raised position.
- In yet another example, the system includes a first scissor assembly operably coupled between the upper portion and the lower portion; and a second scissor assembly operable coupled between the upper portion and the lower portion, the second scissor assembly being spaced longitudinally from the first scissor assembly; wherein, as the actuator moves from its retracted position to an extended position, the first and second scissor assemblies induce the movement of the upper portion from its lowered position to its raised position.
- In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a wheelchair docking system for being coupled to a floor includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being movable relative to the lower portion between a lowered position and a raised position; a coupler mechanism configured to engage a wheelchair during a docking operation, the coupler mechanism being positioned on the upper portion; a first latching mechanism being movable between a retracted position and a latching position, the first latching mechanism spaced from the coupler mechanism; a second latching mechanism for moving the upper portion of the frame between its lowered position and raised position; a first tether assembly comprising a first tether strap coupled at one end to the lower portion and at an opposite end to the upper portion, the first tether assembly positioned at a rear end of the frame; and a second tether assembly comprising a second tether strap coupled at one end to the lower portion and at an opposite end to the upper portion, the second tether assembly positioned at a front end of the frame.
- In an example of this embodiment, the system may include a bracket mounted to the lower portion of the frame; and a pin coupled to the mounting bracket; wherein, the first tether strap is coupled to the pin at the one end.
- In an alternative embodiment, a wheelchair docking system for being coupled to a track system coupled to a vehicle floor includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being movable relative to the lower portion between a lowered position and a raised position; a coupler mechanism configured to engage a wheelchair during a docking operation; a bottom panel of the lower portion of the frame comprising a plurality of openings defined therein; a flange integrally formed in the lower portion of the frame, the flange comprising a plurality of openings defined therein; and an adjustable latch coupled to the lower portion via one of the plurality of openings in the flange, the adjustable latch releasably coupled to the track system.
- In a first example, the adjustable latch is adjustably coupled to one of the plurality of openings in the flange. In a second example, the plurality of openings is equally spaced and defined laterally in the flange to provide for a laterally adjustable coupling between the lower portion and the track system. In a third example, the plurality of openings in the bottom panel are equally spaced and defined laterally therein. In a fourth example, each of the plurality of openings defined in the flange are aligned longitudinally with at least one of the plurality of openings defined in the bottom panel.
- In a fifth example, a body of the adjustable latch with a defined opening; and a fastener coupled to the body via the defined opening, wherein the fastener is disposed through the one of the plurality of openings in the flange and the defined opening in the body for coupling the adjustable latch to the lower portion. In a sixth example, the adjustable latch comprises a tab portion, a first post and a second post, the tab portion being slidable in a generally vertical direction to releasably couple the adjustable latch to the track system. In a seventh example, the tab portion is adjustable between a raised position and a lowered position, where in the lowered position the docking system is coupled to and inhibited from longitudinal movement relative to the track system, and in the raised position the docking system is longitudinally moveable relative to the track system.
- In an eighth example, at least one retaining pin includes a neck portion and a retaining end, the at least one fastener coupling the bottom panel to the track system. In a ninth example, the neck portion is disposed within one of the plurality of openings in the bottom panel.
- In another embodiment, a vehicle includes an interior cabin; a vehicle floor located in the cabin; a track system comprising at least one track, the at least one track including a plurality of receptacles and an elongated channel defined therein between a first end and a second end of the at least one track; a wheelchair docking system adjustably coupled to the track system, the wheelchair docking system comprising a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, a coupler mechanism configured to engage a wheelchair during a docking operation, a bottom panel of the lower portion comprising a plurality of openings defined therein, and a flange integrally formed in the lower portion of the frame; and a latch adjustably coupling the wheelchair docking system to the track system, the latch being coupled to the lower portion via the flange; wherein, each of the plurality of receptacles are equally spaced from an adjacent receptacle; wherein, the flange comprises a plurality of openings defined therein such that the latch is coupled to the docking system via one of the plurality of openings in the flange.
- In one example of this embodiment, the track system is mounted directly to a top surface of the vehicle floor. In another example, the plurality of openings in the flange and the plurality of openings in the bottom panel are equally spaced and defined laterally to provide for a laterally adjustable coupling between the docking system and the track system. In yet another example, each of the plurality of openings defined in the flange are longitudinally aligned with at least one of the plurality of openings defined in the bottom panel.
- In a further example, the latch comprises a body with an opening defined therein; a tab portion being slidable in a generally vertical direction to releasably couple the latch to the track system; a first post and a second post; and a fastener coupled to the body via the defined opening, wherein the fastener is disposed through the one of the plurality of openings in the flange and the opening in the body for coupling the latch to the docking system. Related thereto, the tab portion is adjustable between a raised position and a lowered position, where in the lowered position the tab portion is disposed within a first receptacle of the plurality of receptacles of the at least one track, and in the raised position the tab portion is released from the first receptacle such that the docking system and latch are longitudinally moveable relative to the track system.
- In yet a further example, at least one retaining pin includes a neck portion and a retaining end, the at least one fastener coupling the bottom panel to the track system. Moreover, the neck portion is aligned with and disposed within one of the plurality of openings in the bottom panel and the channel of the at least one track; the retaining end is disposed within one of the receptacles of the plurality of receptacles. Further, related to this embodiment, the at least one track comprises a first track and a second track, the first track and second track being laterally spaced from one another and coupled to the vehicle floor.
- In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a docking assembly for coupling a wheelchair to a floor of a vehicle includes a track system comprising a first track and a second track, the first and second tracks each including a first end, a second end, a plurality of receptacles, and an elongated channel defined therein between the first end and the second end; a wheelchair docking system adjustably coupled to the track system, the wheelchair docking system comprising a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, a coupler mechanism configured to engage the wheelchair, a bottom panel of the lower portion comprising a plurality of openings defined therein, and a flange integrally formed with the lower portion of the frame; a first fastener adjustably coupling the wheelchair docking system to the first track, the first fastener being coupled to the frame via the flange; and a second fastener adjustably coupling the wheelchair docking system to the second track, the second fastener being coupled to the frame via the flange.
- In one example of this embodiment, each of the first and second fasteners includes a tee-bolt, where the tee-bolt comprises an elongated member and at least one stud extending therefrom.
- The above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
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Fig. 1 is a front view of a powered wheelchair and docking system in a passenger vehicle; -
Fig. 2 is a partial exploded and perspective view of the wheelchair and docking system ofFig. 1 ; -
Fig. 3A is a perspective view of a wheelchair docking system and track system for a passenger vehicle in a first configuration; -
Fig. 3B is a perspective view of a wheelchair docking system and track system for a passenger vehicle in a second configuration; -
Fig. 4A is a side view of the wheelchair docking system in the first configuration ofFig. 3A ; -
Fig. 4B is a side view of the wheelchair docking system in the second configuration ofFig. 3B ; -
Fig. 5A is a side cross-sectional view of the wheelchair docking system in the second configuration; -
Fig. 5B is another side cross-sectional view of the wheelchair docking system in the second configuration; -
Fig. 6 is a partial bottom perspective view of the wheelchair docking system; -
Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the wheelchair docking system; -
Fig. 8 is another bottom view of the wheelchair docking system; -
Fig. 9 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the wheelchair docking system and track system; -
Fig. 9A is a partial perspective view of a release mechanism for adjusting the wheelchair docking system relative to the track system; -
Fig. 10 is a partial exploded perspective view of the portion of the wheelchair docking system and track system ofFig. 9A ; -
Fig. 11 is a diagram of a control system for controlling the docking system; -
Fig. 12 is a partial exploded and perspective view of another embodiment of a wheelchair docking system; -
Fig. 13 is a top view of the wheelchair docking system ofFig. 12 with a top portion thereof removed; and -
Fig. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the wheelchair docking system ofFig. 12 . - The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure.
- Referring to
Fig. 1 of the present disclosure, awheelchair 100 is depicted. Thewheelchair 100 may include aframe 102 supported by one ormore wheels 104. A brake or anti-tilt/tip mechanism 106 may be located at one ormore wheels 104 for slowing down or keeping thewheels 104 from turning, if necessary. Thewheelchair 100 may be a powered wheelchair or a manually-operated wheelchair. Any type ofwheelchair 100 is applicable to the present disclosure. - In
Fig. 1 , thewheelchair 100 is shown located in an interior of a vehicle which has avehicle floor 108. Thevehicle floor 108 may be the original OEM vehicle floor, or it may be a modified vehicle floor to accommodate a ramp or wheelchair lift assembly. In any event, thewheelchair 100 may be maneuvered such that the physically limited individual operating or positioned in the wheelchair may be positioned in any location of the vehicle, including at the driver's position of the vehicle. - In conventional vehicle arrangements, a physically limited individual may drive the vehicle so long as the wheelchair is properly latched or connected to the vehicle floor in at least one or two manners. Most conventional wheelchairs are attached to the vehicle via an attendant using four securement belts at each corner of the wheelchair. If the wheelchair user is independent and intends to drive or otherwise operate the vehicle, then most conventional wheelchairs require an aftermarket, conventional wheelchair docking system in which a bolt or other bolt-like feature connected to a bottom of the chair and protruding downward toward the floor. The bolt may then be received by a conventional docking system which is bolted through to the floor. The conventional docking system has a mechanism which receives and latches to the bolt, thereby holding the wheelchair to the vehicle floor. Additional mechanisms may be used to further support and fasten the wheelchair to the vehicle floor.
- The conventional wheelchair, however, presents many problems. First, the bolt protrudes downwardly from the wheelchair and leaves very little clearance between the floor and the bolt. Thus, the bolt can often contact objects and the like that the wheelchair would otherwise clear. When the bolt does contact an object, it can cause the wheelchair to tip forward or rearward, or become obstructed with. Alternatively, the object may be dragged by the bolt until it can be cleared from underneath the wheelchair. In either case, it is disadvantageous to have a bolt protruding downwardly from the wheelchair and reducing the clearance between the wheelchair and floor.
- In the present disclosure, an
improved docking system 112 allows for thewheelchair 100 to have greater clearance between it and thefloor 108. Moreover, thedocking system 112 includes a first latching mechanism for coupling to acoupling device 110 on thewheelchair 100, and a second latching mechanism for coupling thewheelchair 100 to thevehicle floor 108 and preventing it from tilting to the left or right as the vehicle makes a turn. Thus, the present disclosure provides a better connection between thewheelchair 100 and thevehicle floor 108, and one which is safer over conventional docking systems. Further, the present disclosure provides atrack system 114 which allows thedocking system 112 to be adjusted longitudinally along thevehicle floor 108 for different sized passengers. - In
Fig. 2 , for example, the bottom portion of thewheelchair 100 is better shown. Here, thewheelchair 100 has abottom surface 116 to which thecoupling device 110 is connected via one or more fasteners. Thecoupling device 110 may be a substantiallyU-shaped bracket 200 formed by afirst leg 202 and asecond leg 204. The first and second legs are spaced from one another to define anopening 206 therebetween. InFig. 2 , theopening 206 is oriented towards afront end 208 of thewheelchair 100 rather than arear end 210. - The
opening 206 in thebracket 200 is configured to engage with thedocking system 112. Thedocking system 112 may include aframe 216 and acoupler mechanism 218 as shown inFig. 2 . Thecoupler mechanism 218 may comprise a neck portion 402 (Fig. 4 ) that extends upwardly from theframe 216 and terminates at a disk-shapedtop portion 222. As thewheelchair 100 is moved into engagement with thedocking system 112, thebracket 200 comes into contact with thecoupler mechanism 218. In particular, thecoupler mechanism 218 is received within theopening 206 of thecoupling device 110, and thefirst leg 202 andsecond leg 204 are received within a space 400 (Fig. 4A-B ) defined between theframe 216 of thedocking system 112 and the disk-shapedtop portion 222 of thecoupler mechanism 218. In the engaged position, thefirst leg 202 andsecond leg 204 may be in close proximity or contact with theneck portion 402 of thecoupler mechanism 218. - To maintain the
wheelchair 100 engaged with thedocking system 112, thedocking system 112 may further include aretractable locking pin 224. Thelocking pin 224 may have an angled surface which comes into contact with afirst surface 226 of thebracket 200 causing thelocking pin 224 to be pushed downwardly into an opening. Once thebracket 200 clears thelocking pin 224, a spring 512 (Fig. 5 ) may bias thelocking pin 224 to its upward position ofFig. 2 . In the upward position, thebracket 200 is retained between thecoupler mechanism 218 and thelocking pin 224. This connection between thewheelchair 100 anddocking system 112 may establish a first of at least two latching mechanisms of the present disclosure. - The
aforementioned track system 114 of the present disclosure is also shown inFig. 2 . Here, thetrack system 114 may include afirst track 212 and asecond track 214. Thedocking system 112 may be movably coupled to the first and second tracks, which is shown in greater detail inFigs. 9 and10 . A quick-connect track fitting such as an aluminum track fitting is used for engaging with the tracks. - The first and
second tracks - Further, as more electric vehicles become commercially available, battery packs and other electronic equipment may be located underneath the vehicle floor. Any through-floor drilling can damage or even destroy the batter pack or other equipment and create a safety hazard at the same time. Thus, for at least these reasons, it is undesirable to drill through the vehicle floor after the vehicle leaves the factory in order to install the tracks.
- In the present disclosure, a method of installing the tracks and docking system in a vehicle includes mounting the tracks to the vehicle floor without requiring any through-floor drilling and/or bolting. The tracks may be mounted in any known way including welding, adhering or fastening. In some instances, the floor may be prepared with holes for assembling the track thereto before any control systems, electrical equipment, fuel lines, exhaust lines, etc. is mounted underneath the floor. In other instances, the tracks are mounting entirely within the cabin and directly to the vehicle floor surface.
- In
Fig. 9 , for example, alower portion 302 of theframe 216 of thedocking system 112 is shown. Here, aflange 910 may protrude rearwardly from thelower portion 302 as shown. Thedocking system 112 spans a gap defined between thefirst track 212 andsecond track 214. In some instances, the gap therebetween may be different or adjustable depending upon the vehicle. Thus, to accommodate different gaps between the first and second tracks, theflange 910 may include a plurality of openings 1004 (Fig. 10 ) to adjustably couple thedocking system 112 to thetrack system 114. - The
docking system 112 may include a bottom plate orpanel 1006 which define a plurality ofopenings 1008 therein as well. The plurality ofopenings 1008 are also to accommodate different gaps between the first and second tracks. - Each of the tracks may include a body that has a
bottom portion 1020 and atop portion 1022. Thetop portion 1022 may have an outer lip that extends outwardly on both sides, as shown inFig. 10 . Moreover, each track defines a plurality ofreceptacles 1000 configured to receive thedocking system 112. InFig. 9 , for example, the plurality ofreceptacles 1000 may include afirst receptacle 902, asecond receptacle 904, athird receptacle 906, afourth receptacle 908, and so forth. Each of the plurality ofreceptacles 1000 is equally spaced from an adjacent receptacle along each longitudinal track. Further, anarrower channel 1024 connects each adjacent receptacle to another receptacle, as shown inFig. 10 . Thechannel 1024 may extend from a first end of eachtrack - The
docking system 112 may be movably coupled to thetrack system 114 via anadjustable latch 900. InFigs. 9 and 9A , theadjustable latch 900 may include abody 918 that defines anopening 1002 for receiving afastener 916. InFig. 10 , thefastener 916 may fit through one of the plurality ofopenings 1004 in theflange 910 and further coupled to thebody 918. For instance, thebody 918 may include internal threads to which thefastener 916 may be coupled. Thefastener 916 may couple to thebody 918 in any conventional manner. - The
adjustable latch 900 may include atab portion 912 which may be slidable in anupward direction 914 as shown inFig. 9A . As thetab portion 912 is moved in theupward direction 914, it may be released from being disposed in one of the plurality ofreceptacles 1000. As a result, theadjustable latch 900 can be used to move thedocking system 112 in alongitudinal direction 1026 relative to thetrack system 114. Moreover, as thedocking system 112 is moved, afirst post 1016 and asecond post 1018 on eachadjustable latch 900 may slide through thenarrow channel 1024 until thetab 912 is repositioned in a different receptacle. - The
adjustable latch 900 may be located on the rear of thedocking system 112. At the front of the docking system, a pair of retaining pins may be engaged with thefirst track 212 andsecond track 214. Each retaining pin may include aneck portion 1014 and a retainingend 1012. Anut 1010 or other fastener may be threadedly coupled to theneck portion 1014 of each retaining pin. Thus, the retaining pin is coupled to thebottom panel 1006 of the docking system. The retaining pin, unlike theadjustable latch 900, remains coupled to the docking system and may slide in thelongitudinal direction 1026 through thechannel 1024 as thedocking system 112 is adjusted. Specifically, the neck portion is aligned within thechannel 1024 whereas the retaining end is disposed within one the receptacles. The retaining end is permitted to move within thechannel 1024 when thedocking system 112 is adjusted longitudinally relative to the first and second tracks. - The
openings 1004 in theflange 910 and theopenings 1008 in thebottom plate 1006 allow for thedocking system 112 to be adjusted side-to-side or perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction 1026. As shown inFig. 10 , theadjustable latches 900 may be positioned in any one of three of theopenings 1004 in theflange 910 and thenecks 1014 may be positioned in any one of three openings in thebottom plate 1006. While in the illustrated embodiment there are threeopenings - Referring now to
Fig. 3A , thedocking system 112 is shown coupled to thetrack system 114. Thedocking system 112 may include atop portion 300 and abottom portion 302. Thebottom portion 302 has been described with respect toFigs. 9-10 above and include thebottom panel 1006 andflange 910. Thetop portion 300 forms part of theframe 216 to which thecoupler mechanism 218 and lockingpin 224 are connected. InFig. 3A , thedocking system 112 is shown in its loweredposition 308, whereas inFig. 3B thedocking system 112 is in its raisedposition 338. Thedocking system 112 is in its raisedposition 338 when it is not engaged with thewheelchair 100. - The
docking system 112 includes aswitch 304 for detecting the presence of thebracket 200 andwheelchair 100. A wire or other means may electrically couple theswitch 304 to a controller 1102 (Fig. 11 ) for communicating with the driver or physically limited individual that thebracket 200 is coupled to thedocking system 112. For instance, thecontroller 1102 or acontrol system 1100 may receive a signal from theswitch 304 and display a signal or illuminate a light on adashboard 1112 of the vehicle indicating the connection. - A second wire or
cable 306 is shown inFig. 3A . This wire orcable 306 may be coupled to afirst actuator 334 as shown inFig. 3B . Acontrol button 1108 located in the vehicle may be electrically coupled to theactuator 334 via the wire orcable 306. Alternatively, thecontroller 1102 orcontrol system 1100 may automatically communicate with theactuator 334 to trigger it between an extended and retracted position. The actuator 334 forms part of the second latching mechanism of the present disclosure. - When the
sensor 304 detects that the wheelchair is engaged by thecoupler mechanism 218 and lockingpin 224, it may send a signal to acontroller 1102 to automatically trigger theactuator 334. Alternatively, the signal may be displayed on adashboard 1112 ordisplay screen 1110 in the cab of the vehicle, and the operator may manually trigger theactuator 334. As theactuator 334 extends and retracts, thetop portion 300 may move upwards or downwards relative to the lower orbottom portion 302. In other words, theactuator 334 may control the movement of thedocking system 112 between its raisedposition 338 ofFig. 3B and its loweredposition 308 ofFig. 3A . - The manner in which the
docking system 112 moves between its raised and lowered positions will now be described. Thedocking system 112 may include afront scissor assembly 310 on a front end thereof and arear scissor assembly 312 on a rear side thereof. Moreover, there may be afront scissor assembly 310 andrear scissor assembly 312 on both the left and right sides of thedocking system 112. Thefront scissor assembly 310 andrear scissor assembly 312 may include a pair of legs. For example, each assembly may include afirst leg 314 and asecond leg 316. Thefirst leg 314 may be disposed outwardly of thesecond leg 316. Moreover, thefirst leg 314 may be coupled to an outside location of thetop portion 300 of thedocking system 112 and an inside location of thebottom portion 302. Thesecond leg 316 may be coupled at an inside location of the top and bottom portions of thedocking system 112, as shown inFig. 3B . - The
first leg 314 andsecond leg 316 may be coupled at an approximate midpoint along the length of each leg. InFig. 3B , for example, thefirst leg 314 andsecond leg 316 may be pivotally coupled via aconnection pin 330 or fastener. Thefirst leg 314 andsecond leg 316 can therefore pivot relative to one another about an axis defined by theconnection pin 330. This is the only coupling point between the first and second legs. - The
first leg 314 may be fixedly coupled at one end thereof to thebottom portion 302 of thedocking system 112 via afastener 318. Thus, thefirst leg 314 cannot move laterally relative to thebottom portion 302 at this location. At an opposite end, thefirst leg 314 may be movably coupled to thetop portion 300 via apin 326. Here, thepin 326 can move within alongitudinal slot 328 defined in thetop portion 300 of thedocking system 112. Thus, as theactuator 334 extends and retracts, thefirst leg 314 remains fixed at one end to thebottom portion 302 via thefastener 318 but moves longitudinally in theslot 328 at an opposite end thereof. - Similarly, the
second leg 316 includes two ends. At a first end, thesecond leg 316 is fixedly coupled to thetop portion 300 via afastener 326. At an opposite second end, thesecond leg 316 is movably coupled to thebottom portion 302 via apin 320. Thepin 320 is able to move longitudinally within alongitudinal slot 322 defined in thebottom portion 302. - The above-described first and second legs of the
front scissor assembly 310 is equally applicable to thefront scissor assembly 310 on the opposite side of thedocking system 112 as shown inFig. 3B . Moreover, therear scissor assembly 312 functions in the same manner. Thus, for sake of brevity, the manner in which therear scissor assembly 312 operates will not be described. - The
rear scissor assembly 312 is also coupled to across member 332 as shown inFig. 3B . In particular, thecross member 332 extends the width of thedocking system 112 and is coupled to thepins 320 andsecond leg 316. Moreover, thecross member 332 may be coupled to theactuator 334 via a connector 700 (Fig. 7 ). InFig. 5A , for example, theconnector 700 is shown as abolt 504 that couples arod 502 of theactuator 334 to thecross member 332. As theactuator 334 extends and retracts, thecross member 332 may move longitudinally. Since thecross member 332 is coupled to thesecond legs 316, movement of thecross member 332 in a longitudinal direction 500 (Fig. 5 ) via theactuator 334 may in turn induce thesecond legs 316 to move longitudinally within thelongitudinal slots 322. - The
second leg 316 of therear scissor assembly 312 may be coupled to thesecond leg 316 of thefront scissor assembly 310 via alongitudinal member 336. Thus, longitudinal movement of thesecond leg 316 of therear scissor assembly 312 is in turn translated into longitudinal movement in the same direction of thesecond leg 316 of thefront scissor assembly 310. As a result, thedocking system 112 is capable of moving between its raisedposition 338 and loweredposition 308 via actuation of thefirst actuator 334. - The
bottom portion 302 of thedocking system 112 may include afirst recess 340 and asecond recess 342 for receiving theconnection pin 330 of the front and rear scissor assemblies in the loweredposition 308. - Once the
docking system 112 is in its loweredposition 308, it is better able to maintain thewheelchair 100 from rocking or tilting as the vehicle is making a turn. Thelocking pin 224 provides a first latching mechanism to connect thewheelchair 100 to thedocking system 112, and the actuation of thedocking system 112 to its lowered position functions as a second latching mechanism for holding thewheelchair 100 more securely during vehicle operation. - While the first and second latching mechanisms are able to securely couple the
wheelchair 100 to thevehicle floor 108, there may be an instance where it is desirable to manually release the latching mechanisms. For example, if the vehicle is involved in an accident or there is an emergency, it may be necessary to unlatch the chair from the floor. Alternatively, if the vehicle loses electrical power, it may be necessary to manually release the wheelchair from thedocking system 112. To do so, there are two release systems in place for this. - In
Figs. 5A, 5B , and6 , for example, a first of the release systems is depicted. Here, afirst release mechanism 506 is shown for releasing thelocking pin 224 and allowing the wheelchair to move away from thedocking system 112. Before describing thisrelease mechanism 506, however, it is necessary to point out that inFig. 6 that asecond actuator 600 is provided for moving thelocking pin 224 between its upward and downward positions. Thesecond actuator 600 may be controlled by acontroller 1102 such as the vehicle controller 1114 or any other controller. In one example, acontroller 1102 for only controlling thedocking system 112 may be provided. In this instance, thecontroller 1102 may be in communication with the vehicle controller 1114 and/or any other controller of the vehicle (e.g.,transmission controller 1118,engine controller 1116, etc.) over a communication link such as CAN, J-1939, etc. - The
second actuator 600 may be coupled to aplate 604 as shown inFig. 6 . As theactuator 600 is actuated between an extended and retracted position, it induces movement of theplate 604. As theplate 604 is moved, it is coupled to thelocking pin 224 via apin 602 to move it in a downward position to compress aspring 512. Theactuator 600 may provide sufficient force to theplate 604 to compress thespring 512 and move the locking pin to a retracted position such as shown inFig. 5A . As theactuator 600 returns to a normal position, thespring 512 may bias thelocking pin 224 to its upright position ofFig. 5B . Thus, control of thesecond actuator 600 allows for releasing thelocking pin 224 when desired. Moreover, the lockingpin 224 and pin 602 may move in a direction indicated byarrow 610 inFig. 6 . - In some instances, a button or
other control 1108 may be in the vehicle to allow the wheelchaired passenger or other individual to control theactuator 600. The button orcontrol 1108 may be manually triggered, which sends a signal to acontroller 1102 which in turn commands theactuator 600 to actuate between its extended and retracted positions. As described above, an alternative embodiment would be for thecontroller 1102 to automatically detect a condition to release thelocking pin 224. Thecontroller 1102 may include logic, software, or an algorithm to operate from for actuating the first and second actuators of the present disclosure. - The
first release mechanism 506 may include a cable orcord 608 of which a user may pull to retract thelocking pin 224 from its latched position ofFig. 5B . The cable orcord 608 may be coupled to acable 508 as shown inFig. 5A , and one end of thecable 508 may be coupled to thelocking pin 224 via aset screw 514 or other fastener. Thus, movement of thecable 508 induces thelocking pin 224 to move downward and compress thespring 512. - The
cable 508 passes through aferrule 516 as shown inFig. 5B . Abracket 510 is further coupled to thecable 508. Thebracket 510 may be similar to or the same as theplate 604. Aball 606 or other feature may be coupled to thecord 608 and rests against theplate 604 as shown inFig. 6 . As a user pulls on thecord 608, it in turn pulls thecable 508 and lockingpin 224 downwardly until thelocking pin 224 is in the position shown inFig. 5A . - A
sensor 518 may be provided for detecting a position of thelocking pin 224 and communicate this to acontroller 1102 or display the position on adashboard 1112 orother display 1110 in the vehicle. Thus, the operator and/or wheel chaired passenger will know the position of thelocking pin 224 based on the detection made by thesensor 518. - The
release mechanism 506 is useful to release thelocking pin 224 and allow the wheelchair to be disengaged from thedocking system 112. InFigs. 7 and8 , asecond release mechanism 706 is shown for raising thedocking system 112 from its loweredposition 308 to its raisedposition 338. Here, thesecond release mechanism 706 may include a safety strap orcable 220 that is coupled to aplate 708 via afastener 710. - A
spring 344 may be coupled between theplate 708 and thebottom portion 302 of thedocking system 112. In particular, thespring 344 may include afirst hook end 702 coupled to thebottom portion 302 and asecond hook end 704 coupled to theplate 708. - The
plate 708 may further be coupled to thedocking system 112 via afirst connector 714. In addition, theplate 708 may include an L-shapedslot 716 defined therein. Apin 712 may slide or otherwise move within theslot 716. Thepin 712 may be coupled to arod 806 of thefirst actuator 334 as shown inFigs. 7 and8 . As thepin 712 moves within theslot 716, therod 806 may extend or retract. - For example, in
Fig. 7 , thedocking system 112 may be in its loweredposition 308. Thespring 344 is in its free, extended oruncompressed position 718. Thepin 712 is located at a first end of theslot 716 and theactuator rod 806 is in its retracted position. InFig. 8 , however, the strap orcable 220 may be pulled to achieve arelease configuration 800 thereby causing thepin 712 to move within theslot 716 to an opposite end thereof. As it does, thespring 344 is extended alongdirection 802. Moreover, as thepin 712 moves to the opposite end of theslot 716, thepin 712 induces therod 806 to extend alongdirection 804 inFig. 8 . In doing so, the first and second scissor assemblies may raise thedocking system 112 an amount equivalent to the length of the slot to relieve down pressure. Thus, in one example, thesecond release mechanism 706 is capable of transferring thedocking system 112 from its loweredposition 308 to its raisedposition 338. Stated another way, a clamping force on thedocking system 112 is in effect relieved. In combination with thefirst release mechanism 506, thewheelchair 100 may be manually disengaged and released from thedocking system 112 as necessary. - Referring to
Fig. 11 , which has been intermittently alluded to in the above description, acontrol system 1100 for controlling thedocking system 112 and the interaction between thedocking system 112 and thewheelchair 100 is provided. Thecontrol system 1100 may include acontroller 1102 which includes a memory unit and processor. The memory is capable of storing logic, algorithms, software, etc. for performing one or more tasks. The memory may further store information, collect data, and receive information from other controllers such as a vehicle controller 1114,engine controller 1116, andtransmission controller 1118. The processor or processing unit may be capable of executing the logic, algorithms, software, etc. - In one embodiment, the
controller 1102 is a stand-alone controller for controlling thedocking system 112. In another embodiment, thecontroller 1102 may be the vehicle controller 1114, theengine controller 1116, thetransmission controller 1118, or any other controller found on a vehicle. Moreover, thecontroller 1102 may be remotely located from the vehicle and communicate with the docking system over a wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi. - The
controller 1102 may be in communication with auser control 1108 which may be located in the vehicle. Alternatively, theuser control 1108 may be remote from the vehicle. In any event, a user such as the wheelchaired passenger or vehicle operator may send instructions to thecontroller 1102 by actuating theuser control 1108. - In turn, the
controller 1102 may communicate with the user by displaying a signal, data, information, instructions, etc. via adisplay 1110 ordashboard 1112. Thedisplay 1110 ordashboard 1112 may be located in the vehicle. Thedisplay 1110 may be a computer display. The signal may be communicated by illuminating a light in the vehicle to alert the user that thedocking station 112 is engaged with thewheelchair 110 or vice versa. Other types of signals are also possible. - The
controller 1102 may be in communication with thefirst actuator 334 andsecond actuator 600 of thedocking system 112. In this manner, thecontroller 1102 may command either or both actuators to extend or retract. This may be based on a user command via theuser control 1108, or it may be part of the control logic, algorithms, software, etc. executed by the processor of thecontroller 1102. - The
controller 1102 may receive signals from one or more sensors. For example, thesensor 518 may detect the position of thelocking pin 224 and communicate this position to thecontroller 1102. Asecond sensor 1104 may detect a position of thefirst actuator 334 and/orsecond actuator 600. For example, thecontroller 1102 may command theactuator 334 to extend by a desired amount. Thesecond sensor 1104 may detect how much theactuator 334 has extended and communicate the same to thecontroller 1102. In this way, thecontroller 1102 receives feedback from thesensor 1104 and can further adjust its commands to either actuator. - The
control system 1100 may include athird sensor 1106 which may be positioned on thedocking system 112 and is able to detect anoncoming wheelchair 100. Thethird sensor 1106 may be a proximity sensor, Hall Effect sensor, or any other type of sensor. Thethird sensor 1106 may detect a height or clearance between abracket 200 on the approachingwheelchair 100 and communicate the same to thecontroller 1102. In turn, thecontroller 1102 may actuate the first actuator to cause thedocking system 112 to move upwards or downwards based on the detected clearance by thethird sensor 1106. In doing so, thesecond sensor 1104 can detect how far and in what direction theactuator 334 moves in order to determine if theactuator 334 responded correctly based on the instruction from thecontroller 1102. A fourth sensor (not shown) may detect the height of thecoupler mechanism 218 relative to thevehicle floor 108 and communicate the same to thecontroller 1102. Thus, thecontroller 1102 is able to receive signals indicative of an approachingwheelchair 100, the desired height of thedocking system 112 for receiving thewheelchair 100, the actual height of thedocking system 112, and the responsiveness of thefirst actuator 334 for adjusting the height of thedocking system 112. - Additional control logic or algorithms may be performed by the
control system 1100 for docking thewheelchair 100 to thedocking system 112. One or more controllers may execute the control logic or algorithms. In a further embodiment, the wheelchair may include a controller or transmitter for communicating with thecontrol system 1100. In this manner, the transmitter or controller on the wheelchair may alert thecontroller 1102 orthird sensor 1106 of its approach. - Referring now to
Figs. 12 and13 , a different embodiment of awheelchair docking system 1200 is illustrated. For sake of brevity, features in the embodiment ofFigs. 12 and13 that remain unchanged from the embodiments inFigs. 1-11 include the same reference number. For this reason, only the features that have changed between embodiments will be addressed. - In
Fig. 12 , thewheelchair docking system 1200 may include a lowerprotective shroud 1202 and an upperprotective shroud 1204. The lowerprotective shroud 1202 may be formed of a plastic material formed by any known process such as injection molding. The upperprotective shroud 1204 may be formed of sheet metal or similar material. The pair of shrouds provide additional safety and aesthetic benefits to thewheelchair docking system 1200. - The
docking system 1200 may also include a plurality of tether assemblies for increased structural integrity and improvement. For instance, arear tether assembly 1206 is depicted inFigs. 12 and13 having a rearload tether strap 1208. The rearload tether strap 1208 may be coupled at one end to apin 1302 which is affixed to a mountingbracket 1300. The mountingbracket 1300 may be welded or otherwise coupled to thelower portion 302 of thesystem 1200. In at least one embodiment, thepin 1302 may pivot or rotate about an axis within thebracket 1300. - The rear
load tether strap 1208 may be coupled at its opposite end to thetop portion 300 of the system. Therear tether assembly 1206 may be approximately centrally located as shown inFigs. 12 and13 . Moreover, thetop portion 300 may be a cast material for improved structural integrity. - The
wheelchair docking system 1200 may also include a pair of front tether assemblies. A firstfront tether assembly 1210 may be located at a first front corner and a secondfront tether assembly 1212 may be located at a second front corner. Each tether assembly may include a tether strap similar to that of therear tether assembly 1206. For instance, the firstfront tether assembly 1210 may include atether strap 1304 and the secondfront tether assembly 1212 may include atether strap 1306. Eachtether strap lower portion 302 and at the opposite end to thetop portion 302. - The
docking system 1200 may also include an upper and lower gussets. Thelower gusset 1308 is located at thefront scissor assembly 310. The upper gusset, which is not shown inFigs. 12 and13 , is also located at thefront scissor assembly 310. Each gusset may be welded to the system. In particular, thelower gusset 1308 may be welded to thelower portion 302, whereas the upper gusset may be welded to thetop portion 300. - As also shown in
Fig. 13 , a plurality of fasteners or stud bolts may be used to further couple thewheelchair docking system 1200 to thetracks bolts 1310 is shown at approximately each front corner of thesystem 1200 to add further structural integrity to the overall system. - Moreover, rather than the adjustable latches of
Fig. 9 , a different or alternative design may be implemented for movably coupling thedocking system 112 to thetrack system 114. InFigs. 13 and14 , for example, a tee-bolt 1312 may be used. The tee-bolt 1312 may include anelongated member 1400 configured to slide or move within thechannel 1024 of each track. Theelongated member 1400 may include a narrow raisedportion 1318 that is also capable of moving within thenarrow channel 1024. Further, the tee-bolt 1312 may comprise one ormore studs 1320 extending from theelongated portion 1400. InFig. 13 , each tee-bolt 1321 includes twostuds 1318 extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from theelongated member 1400. - A plurality of fasteners may couple to the studs for securing the tee-bolt to the
docking station 112. For example, afirst bolt 1314 and asecond bolt 1316 are shown inFig. 13 for each tee-bolt 1312. These bolts or fasteners rigidly couple each stud of the respective tee-bolt 1312 to thedocking system 112 to allow thedocking system 112 to move smoothly within each track. - As shown, the
elongated members 1400 may include a substantially flat bottom surface to allow it to smoothly slide or move within the tracks. The bottom surface of each of theelongated members 1400 may be approximately parallel to a bottom surface of thelower portion 302 of theframe 216, as shown inFig. 14 . This can help ensure smooth movement of thedocking system 112 along the tracks.
Claims (15)
- A wheelchair docking system (112) for being coupled to a track system (144) coupled to a vehicle floor, comprising:a frame (216) having an upper portion (300) and a lower portion (302), the upper portion (300) being movable relative to the lower portion (302) between a lowered position and a raised position;a coupler mechanism (218) configured to engage a wheelchair (100) during a docking operation;a bottom panel (1006) of the lower portion (302) of the frame comprising a plurality of openings (1008) defined therein;wherein the wheelchair docking system (112) is characterized by:a flange (910) integrally formed with the bottom panel (1006) in the lower portion (216) of the frame (216), the flange (910) comprising a plurality of openings (1004) defined therein; andan adjustable latch (900) coupled to the lower portion (302) via one of the plurality of openings (1004) in the flange (910), the adjustable latch (900) for being releasably coupled to the track system (144), wherein the adjustable latch (900) is a quick-connect track fitting (900).
- The docking system (112) of claim 1, wherein the adjustable latch (900) is adjustably coupled to one of the plurality of openings (1004) in the flange (910).
- The docking system (112) of claim 2, wherein the plurality of openings (1004) is equally spaced and defined laterally in the flange (910) to provide for a laterally adjustable coupling between the lower portion (302) and the track system (144).
- The docking system (112) of claim 3, wherein the plurality of openings (1008) in the bottom panel (1006) is equally spaced and defined laterally therein.
- The docking system (112) of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of openings (1004) defined in the flange (910) is aligned longitudinally with at least one of the plurality of openings (1008) defined in the bottom panel (1006).
- The docking system (112) of any preceding claim, further comprising:a body (918) of the adjustable latch (900) with a defined opening (1002); anda fastener (916) coupled to the body (918) via the defined opening (1002), wherein the fastener (916) is disposed through the one of the plurality of openings (1004) in the flange (910) and the defined opening (1002) in the body (918) for coupling the adjustable latch (900) to the lower portion (302).
- The docking system (112) of any preceding claim, wherein the adjustable latch (900) comprises a tab portion (912), a first post (1016) and a second post (1018), the tab portion (912) being slidable in a generally vertical direction to releasably couple the adjustable latch (900) to the track system (144).
- The docking system (112) of claim 7, wherein the tab portion (912) is adjustable between a raised position and a lowered position, where in the lowered position the docking system (112) is coupled to and inhibited from longitudinal movement relative to the track system (144), and in the raised position the docking system (112) is longitudinally moveable relative to the track system (144).
- The docking system (112) of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one retaining pin comprising a neck portion (1014) and a retaining end (1012), the at least one retaining pin coupling the bottom panel (1006) to the track system (144).
- The docking system (112) of claim 9, wherein the neck portion (1014) is disposed within one of the plurality of openings (1008) in the bottom panel (1006).
- A vehicle, comprising:an interior cabin;a vehicle floor (108) located in the cabin;a track system (144) comprising at least one track (212, 214), the at least one track (212, 214) including a plurality of receptacles (1000) and an elongated channel (1024) defined therein between a first end and a second end of the at least one track (212, 214);a wheelchair docking system (112) comprising a frame (216) having an upper portion (300) and a lower portion (302), a coupler mechanism (218) configured to engage a wheelchair (100) during a docking operation, a bottom panel (1006) of the lower portion (302) comprising a plurality of openings (1008) defined therein;wherein the vehicle is characterized by:the wheelchair docking system (112) being adjustably coupled to the track system (144), the wheelchair docking system (112) further comprising a flange (910) integrally formed with the bottom panel (1006) in the lower portion (302) of the frame (216); anda latch (900) adjustably coupling the wheelchair docking system (100) to the track system (144), the latch (900) being coupled to the lower portion (302) via the flange (910);wherein, each of the plurality of receptacles (1000) are equally spaced from an adjacent receptacle;wherein, the flange (910) comprises a plurality of openings (1004) defined therein such that the latch (900) is coupled to the docking system (100) via one of the plurality of openings (1004) in the flange; andwherein, the latch (900) is a quick-connect track fitting (900).
- The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the track system (144) is mounted directly to a top surface of the vehicle floor (108).
- The vehicle of claim 11 or 12, wherein the plurality of openings (1004) in the flange (910) and the plurality of openings (1008) in the bottom panel (1006) are equally spaced and defined laterally to provide for a laterally adjustable coupling between the docking system (112) and the track system (144).
- The vehicle of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of openings (1004) defined in the flange (910) are longitudinally aligned with at least one of the plurality of openings (1008) defined in the bottom panel (1006).
- The vehicle of any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the latch (900) comprises:a body (918) with an opening (1002) defined therein;a tab portion (912) being slidable in a generally vertical direction to releasably couple the latch (900) to the track system (144);a first post (1016) and a second post (1018); anda fastener (916) coupled to the body via the defined opening (1002), wherein the fastener (916) is disposed through the one of the plurality of openings (1004) in the flange (910) and the opening (1002) in the body (918) for coupling the latch (900) to the docking system (112).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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EP24174639.5A EP4389097A3 (en) | 2020-11-19 | 2020-12-24 | Wheelchair docking system and method thereof |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US16/952,464 US20210069038A1 (en) | 2019-06-25 | 2020-11-19 | Wheelchair docking system and method thereof |
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EP24174639.5A Division EP4389097A3 (en) | 2020-11-19 | 2020-12-24 | Wheelchair docking system and method thereof |
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EP4000572A1 EP4000572A1 (en) | 2022-05-25 |
EP4000572C0 EP4000572C0 (en) | 2024-05-08 |
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EP20217237.5A Active EP4000572B1 (en) | 2020-11-19 | 2020-12-24 | Wheelchair docking system and method thereof |
EP24174639.5A Pending EP4389097A3 (en) | 2020-11-19 | 2020-12-24 | Wheelchair docking system and method thereof |
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EP24174639.5A Pending EP4389097A3 (en) | 2020-11-19 | 2020-12-24 | Wheelchair docking system and method thereof |
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JP3265660B2 (en) * | 1992-12-16 | 2002-03-11 | アラコ株式会社 | Wheelchair fixing device |
US6474916B2 (en) * | 2000-11-29 | 2002-11-05 | Bruce J. Constantin | Universal restraint system |
US7229238B2 (en) * | 2004-03-25 | 2007-06-12 | Valeda Company Llc | Wheelchair docking system |
EP2176090A1 (en) * | 2007-07-11 | 2010-04-21 | Freedom Sciences, Llc | Devices for securing personal-transport vehicles to mounting surfaces |
DK179512B1 (en) * | 2017-04-04 | 2019-02-04 | Maskinfabrik Dahl Engineering V/Claus Dahl Pedersen | Height adjustable wheelchair docking system |
US11590038B2 (en) * | 2018-11-17 | 2023-02-28 | Anjani Kumar | Floor panel system for vehicles |
-
2020
- 2020-12-24 EP EP20217237.5A patent/EP4000572B1/en active Active
- 2020-12-24 EP EP24174639.5A patent/EP4389097A3/en active Pending
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2021
- 2021-11-18 CA CA3139424A patent/CA3139424A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP4000572A1 (en) | 2022-05-25 |
EP4389097A3 (en) | 2024-07-03 |
EP4389097A2 (en) | 2024-06-26 |
EP4000572C0 (en) | 2024-05-08 |
CA3139424A1 (en) | 2022-05-19 |
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