WO2023047418A1

WO2023047418A1 - Wheelchair docking mechanism for vehicles

Info

Publication number: WO2023047418A1
Application number: PCT/IN2022/050854
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sakthivel THAYAPPAN; Mathan Kumar; Balaji Sivakumar
Original assignee: Yali Mobility Private Limited
Priority date: 2021-09-24
Filing date: 2022-09-24
Publication date: 2023-03-30

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wheelchair docking mechanism for personal vehicles characterized by L-rod 100 configured to move forwards and backwards, and rotate on the transverse plane, which can be used in conjunction with: a strapping mechanism installed at a conveniently accessible location, or a pin-based mechanism wherein the wheelchiar male locking mechanism 210 is attached to the back of the wheelchair 200 and mates with the female locking mechanism 130 at the short arm 110 of the L-Rod 100. The seat belt/strapping mechanism comprises of a spring spooling mechanism, straps, a ratchet strap mechanism and a coupling means. The L-rods 100 brought to docking orientation prevents the wheelchair 200 from moving in the rearward/backward direction, therafter the strapping or the pin-based mechanism can be used to securely dock the wheelchair 200 to the vehicle 1000, in all six degrees of freedom.

Description

WHEELCHAIR DOCKING MECHANISM FOR VEHICLES

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive. More particularly, this invention relates to a Wheelchair Docking mechanism that securely locks the wheelchair to the vehicle to prevent its movement during the motion of the vehicle. The invention disclosed herein allows wheelchair users to dock to the vehicle independently without the help of another person/caretaker/help.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] People with disabilities who cannot stand or walk, temporarily/permanently need wheelchairs for mobility. Wheelchairs come in different varieties and models, from the basic metal-based hospital wheelchairs to powered wheelchairs enabled with Al, etc. Wheelchairs are integral to people with disabilities to lead a life as normal as possible. Wheelchairs that are self-powered /self-driven enable the person to be independent and lead a life as normal as possible.

[0003] But when it comes to using vehicles, people with disabilities have to depend on others for lifting and securing them to the vehicles. For more independence, specifically manufactured vehicles have seats removed to make way for the wheelchair, handheld car controls, ramps, lifts, special docking system to hold the wheelchair in place.

[0004] However, wheelchair users still do not enjoy the stability and security found in traditional seats while using their wheelchair as a seat. Since wheelchairs are not rigidly affixed to the vehicle, they will move during the vehicle's motion and may topple, thereby significantly increasing the risk of injury and vehicular accidents.

[0005] In the present market, the docking systems involve a pin mechanism that causes hinderance in the normal use of the wheelchair by forming an obstruction and reducing the ground clearance for the wheelchair. Hence there is a need for a docking system that secures the wheelchair to the vehicle, so that the wheelchair user can drive the vehicle with comfort and minimal hindrance, or be seated as a passenger in a vehicle securely. Thus, there is a need for a docking mechanism in vehicles that can secure a wheelchair being used as a seat, either for the driver or occupant. This invention solves the above problem of securely docking a wheelchair to a personal vehicle without the need for an external person/caretaker/help.

[0006] Presently, there are limited Wheelchair Docking mechanisms available in the market, however, they are inadequate in addressing the entirety of problems faced by wheelchair users in securely docking the wheelchair to the vehicle. Strap based docking mechanisms necessarily require the help of an external agent for securing the wheelchair to the vehicle. These strapbased mechanisms usually involve the coupling of the straps to the wheelchair and subsequently require the straps to be tightened for optimally securing the wheelchair. However, both these functions cannot be performed by the wheelchair user independently and inevitably require an external agent to be present to perform the same. This significantly curtails the freedom of the wheelchair user as they cannot independently dock themselves and use vehicles, and makes them dependent on such external agents.

[0007] Pin-based docking mechanisms also suffer from significant drawbacks. Apart from the fact that a majority of such mechanisms require the aid of an external agent, they add unnecessary weight to the wheelchair and make normal use of the wheelchair inconvenient. Especially in cases where the male pin/coupling mechanism is attached to the wheelchair, it often collides with the floor or other objects, causing significant inconvenience to the wheelchair user. Furthermore, such pins cannot be installed in all types of wheelchair, specifically electric wheelchairs which have very low ground clearance.

[0008] There do exist some backrest docking mechanisms that employ swivelable back structures that prevent backward motion of the wheelchair. However, these mechanisms do not prevent wheelchair movement in all 6 degrees of freedom. Moreover, these inventions have a large footprint and the movement of such pivotable backrests structures require large amounts of free space to perform such arcuate motion. Furthermore, these structures are not moveable and the distance of the wheelchair from the front and/or sides of the docking area cannot be adjusted. This limits the adaptability of the mechanism with wheelchairs of different sizes. These mechanisms are also not adaptable for open-top personal vehicles for wheelchair users. [0009] The existing backrest docking mechanisms are only rotatable in the horizontal plane, and often consume a large amount of footprint. The existing backrest mechanisms only prevent backward motion of the wheelchair. [0010] Since the present invention can utilize a strapping mechanism at the sides of the vehicle or a pin-based mechanism at the back of the wheelchair in conjunction with the L-shaped rods, it can prevent motion of the wheelchair in all 6 degrees of freedom. The existing docking mechanisms cannot be operated without the aid of an external agent. In the present invention, all the components employed are installed in conveniently accessible locations, thereby allowing the wheelchair user to securely dock a vehicle without the need of an external agent.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The main objective of the invention is to provide a docking mechanism for wheelchairs in vehicles. The secondary objective of the invention is to prevent motion of the wheelchair in all 6 directions of movement and for the wheelchair user to securely dock a vehicle without the need of an external agent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The following summary is provided to facilitate a clear understanding of the new features in the disclosed embodiment and it is not intended to be a full, detailed description. A detailed description of all the aspects of the disclosed invention can be understood by reviewing the full specification, the drawing and the claims, and the abstract, as a whole.

[0013] The major problem addressed by the invention is the absence of a proper locking mechanism for wheelchairs in vehicles, without the aid of an external helping agent for the wheelchair user.

[0014] The existing backrest docking mechanisms are generally rotatable in the horizontal plane, and consume a large footprint. The movement of such pivotable backrests structures require large amounts of free space to perform such arcuate motion. Furthermore, these structures are not moveable and the distance of the wheelchair from the front and/or sides of the docking area cannot be adjusted. This limits the adaptability of the mechanism to accommodate wheelchairs of different sizes. The present invention utilizes a novel L-Shaped rod that is movable in the forward and backward directions, and the short arm of the rod is configured to rotate in the transverse plane. This also allows the wheelchair user to freely adjust the distance of the wheelchair from the front and/or sides of the docking area (if vehicle 1000 is not a personal vehicle) or the steering wheel (if the vehicle 1000 is a personal vehicle) while docked to the vehicle. Further, as the mechanism also allows for wheelchairs of various sizes and shapes can be safely docked in the vehicle with ease. Thus, the present invention can be added to a vehicle with relatively less modifications while ensuring manoeuvrability for the wheelchair user inside the vehicle. The existing backrest mechanisms only prevent backward motion of the wheelchair. Since the present invention can also utilize a pin-based mechanism at the back of the wheelchair or a strapping mechanism at the sides of the vehicle in conjunction with the L-shaped rods, it can prevent motion of the wheelchair in all 6 degrees of freedom. The existing docking mechanisms cannot be operated without the aid of an external agent. In the present invention, all the components employed are installed in conveniently accessible locations, thereby allowing the wheelchair user to securely dock a personal vehicle without the need of an external agent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The manner in which the proposed invention works is given a more particular description below, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the components, some of which is illustrated in the appended drawing It is to be noted; however, that the appended drawing illustrates only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore should not be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0016] Throughout the drawings, the same drawing reference numerals will be understood to refer to the same elements and features.

[0017] The features and advantages of the present proposed invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description along with the accompanying figures, which forms a part of this application and in which:

[0018] Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of the wheelchair docking mechanism.

[0019] Figure 2A shows a side view of vehicle 1000 with the ramp 300 in the open position to allow the entry and exit of the wheelchair user on a wheelchair 200.

[0020] Figure 2B and 2C illustrate a diagrammatic representation of the invention, once the wheelchair user 200 has entered the vehicle 1000, from the side and back perspective respectively. [0021] Figures 2D and 2E illustrate the wheelchair user 200 brings the ramp 300 to its stowed position.

[0022] Figure 2F and 2G illustrate a representation of the wheelchair user 200 securely docked to the vehicle 1000 by the L-rods 100, from the side and back perspectives respectively.

[0023] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate the preferred mode of using the preferred embodiments of the invention to dock the wheelchair to the vehicle 1000.

[0024] Figures 4A-D illustrate an alternative embodiment, the Female locking Mechanism 130 can be affixed to the short arm 110 to connect and dock with the wheelchair Wheelchair Male Locking Mechanism 210.

[0025] Figure 4A illustrates the Female locking Mechanism attached to the short arm 110 and a pin hinge 220, after the short arm 110 is rotated to the docking orientation.

[0026] Figure 4B illustrates the aforementioned components from the side view without the side panel to provide a better diagrammatic representation of the Female locking Mechanism 130’s functioning.

[0027] Figure 4C illustrates the docked orientation of the alternative embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4D illustrates the embodiments during the release/undocking sequence of the wheelchair 200.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

100, 100a, lOOb - L-rod

105 - Long arm of L-rod

110 - Short arm of L-rod

120 - L-rod handle

130 - Female locking Mechanism

131 - Female Locking Wedge Pad

133 - Lock Release Button

150 - L-rod support means

200 - Wheelchair user/Wheelchair 210 - Wheelchair Male Locking Mechanism

220 - Pin lock hinge

300 - Ramp

1000 - Vehicle

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The principles of operation, design configurations and evaluation values in these nonlimiting examples can be varied and are merely cited to illustrate at least one embodiment of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof.

[0030] The embodiments disclosed herein can be expressed in different forms and should not be considered as limited to the listed embodiments in the disclosed invention. The various embodiments outlined in the subsequent sections are construed such that it provides a complete and a thorough understanding of the disclosed invention, by clearly describing the scope of the invention, for those skilled in the art.

[0031] Wheelchair users are extremely limited with their range of mobility and find it difficult to travel any significant distance. One of the major barriers to the vehicular mobility of wheelchair users is the lack of stability and security onboard the vehicle, especially where the wheelchair user independently operates the vehicle. Unlike traditional seats in a vehicle which are permanently affixed to its surface, wheelchairs being used as seats themselves create the major problem of relative motion of the wheelchair to the vehicle, resulting in accidents. This can been avoided if the wheelchair and user are secured in a different way, however, the existing inventions do not provide security in all 6 common directions of movement of objects in vehicles.

[0032] The existing wheelchair docking systems have the problems of reduced in ground clearance due to the affixing of pin-based locking mechanism.

[0033] The present embodiment of the invention utilizes a set of L-shaped rods to prevent backwards movement of the wheelchair, The main elements of present invention are:

L-shaped rod configured to move forwards and backwards, and rotate on the transverse plane, which is used in conjunction with:

A strapping mechanism installed at a conveniently accessible location, or A pin-based mechanism wherein the male pin is attached to the back of the wheelchair and mates with the female coupling unit at the short arm of the L-Rod.

[0034] The L-Rods prevent backward motion of the wheelchair. Their rotation in the transverse plane also allows the easy and unobstructed ingress or egress of the wheelchair on the vehicle/docking area. When used in conjunction with the strapping mechanism, it prevents forwards, upwards and sideways motion of the wheelchair, or with the Pin mechanism which couples to the short arm of the L-rod to prevent forwards, vertical and sideways motion as well.

[0035] The present embodiment of our invention uses at least one L-shaped rod capable of moving forwards or backwards, and rotating on the vertical transverse plane of the vehicle; wherein the short arm of the said L-shaped rod can be rotated and locked in a docking orientation to restrain backwards movement of the wheelchair, and rotated to a undocking orientation to allow unobstructed entry and exit of the wheelchair; and at least one set of straps extending from the vehicle that couple to the female coupling unit installed at the wheelchair that secures the wheelchair against the L-shaped rods to restrain forwards, sideways and vertical movement of the wheelchair during the vehicle’s motion; or at least one male pin attached to the rear portion of the wheelchair capable of coupling to the female coupling unit at the short arm of the L-shaped rods, which when coupled prevents wheelchair movement in all 6-degrees of motion.

[0036] The present invention is different from the existing prior art in that it employs a set of L-shaped rods that are movable frontwards and backwards, and rotatable in the transverse plane. The short arm of the L-shaped rod is configured to be in a undocking orientation to allow unobstructed entry and exit of the wheelchair user. The L-rods may be configured at the sides of the docking area, or the roof or floor of the docking area. Once the wheelchair user enters the vehicle, they can rotate the short arm of the L-rod to a docking orientation to prevent backwards motion of the wheelchair. Subsequently, the wheelchair user can move the L-rod forwards or backwards to dock the wheelchair in the desired distance from the front and/or sides of the docking area. The wheelchair user, after adjusting the L-rods to the desired configuration, can lock the movement of the L-rods using a holding/clamping means.

[0037] The wheelchair user can also releasably couple the male pins affixed to the back of the wheelchair to the female coupling mechanism present at the short arm of the L-rod. The wheelchair user can perform all these functions independently, i.e., without the aid of an external agent. The rods are conveniently placed to make them accessible to the wheelchair user. Further, the rods are also configured with suitable L-rod handles to adjust the configuration of the L-rods. Alternatively, instead of the L-rod handles, the movement and rotation of the L-rods can be automated using electric actuators that take instuctions from the wheelchair user.

[0038] Furthermore, a strapping mechanism may also be placed at a conveniently accessible position to the wheelchair user. The L-rods, when used in conjunction with the pins or the straps, can secure the wheelchair to the vehicle thereby preventing movement in all 6 degrees of freedom.

[0039] The term “transverse/frontal plane” is to be construed as being inclusive of the plane perpendicular to the forward direction of the wheelchair.

[0040] The term “docking areas” is to be construed as the area/location in the vehicle which may be enclosed by one or more sidewalls, a backwall and/or a frontwall (which may include, but not limited to a steering wheel), wherein the wheelchair can be docked securely.

[0041] The term “undocking orientation” is to be construed as being inclusive of the orientation that allows unobstructed entry or exit of the wheelchair.

[0042] The term “docking orientation” is to be construed as being inclusive of the orientation that prevents the backward movement of the wheelchair.

[0043] Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of the wheelchair docking mechanism, that illustrates an exemplary configuration of L-rods 100, a wheelchair user on a wheelchair 200 and a vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 comprises a plurality of L-rods 100 capable of rotating transverse/frontal plane, and moving forwards and backwards to securely dock the wheelchair user 200 to the vehicle 1000. While the exemplary configuration shown in the following figures describe a configuration where at least one of the pluralrity of L-rods 100 is placed on the sides of the docking area (as 100(a) and 100(b)), the L-rods 100 can also be placed at the roof or the floor of the docking area. Figure 2A shows a side view of vehicle 1000 with the ramp 300 in the open position to allow the entry and exit of the wheelchair user on a wheelchair 200. The L-rods 100 are also lifted to the vertical position to allow unobstructed entry or exit of the wheelchair user 200. The L-rods 100 are slidably configured to the vehicle 1000 by a L-rod support means 150 that also allow for rotation in the transverse/frontal plane, as well as slide in the forwards and backwards direction. In the preferred embodiment, the L- rods 100 may be concentrically placed inside the L-rod support means 150 to allow for such motion. However, the L-rod support means 150 can be manufactured in any orientation that allows forwards and backwards movement, as well as rotation in the transverse/frontal plane. The L-rod support means 150 are securely affixed, either by including but not limited to welding, nailing or bolting, at a conveniently accessible location in the vehicle 1000. This location of the L-rod support means 150 can be on either sides of the docking area, or the roof or floor of the docking area, depending on the desired configuration of the L-rods 100.

[0044] Figure 2B and 2C illustrates an exemplary representation of the invention, once the wheelchair user 200 has entered the vehicle 1000, from the side and back perspective respectively. Once the wheelchair user 200 enters the vehicle 1000 and finds a convenient position to apply wheelchair 200 brakes, the wheelchair user 200 brings the ramp 300 to its stowed position as illustrated in Figures 2D and 2E. The ramp 300 can be brought to the stowed position either manually or electronically by pressing the close button on the vehicle 1000 or by issuing instructions through a Radio Frequency remote to close the ramp 300.

[0045] Figure 2F and 2G illustrates an exemplary representation of the wheelchair user 200 securely docked to the vehicle 1000 by the L-rods 100, from the side and back perspectives respectively. The L-rods 100, configured at both sides of the vehicle 1000, are rotated from a undocking orientaion to a docking orientation position. The L-rods 100 are then locked in the docking orientation to securely dock the wheelchair 200. In the exemplary embodiment, bringing the L-rods 100 to the undocking mechanism would imply bringing the L-rods 100 to a vertical position as it would allows unobstructed entry and exit of the wheelchair 200. Likewise, in the exemplary embodiment, bringing the L-rods 100 to the docking orientation would imply bringing the L-rod 100 to a horizontal position as it would prevents the wheelchair 200 from moving in the rearward/backward direction. The wheelchair user 200 can then proceed to drive the vehicle 1000 without any apprehensions with regards to safety. Further, L-rods 100 can be used in conjunction with other wheelchair docking mechanisms to prevent wheelchair 200 motion in all six degrees of freedom.

[0046] However, in other embodiments where L-rods 100 are configured at the roof or the floor of the docking area, bringing the L-rods 100 to the undocking orientation would imply bringing the L-rods 100 to a horizontal position as it would allows unobstructed entry and exit of the wheelchair 200; and alternatively bringing L-rods 100 to the docking prientaiton would imply bringing L-rods 100 to a vertical position as it would prevent the wheelchair 200 from moving in the rearward/backward direction..

[0047] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate the best mode of using the preferred embodiments of the invention. Both the figures provide the best representation of L-rods 100 which further comprises of a short arm of the L-rod 110 that obstructs the rearward motion of the wheelchair 200, a L-rod handle 120 installed at a conveniently accessible position for the wheelchair user 200 to rotate the L-rods 100 to a undocking or docking orientation, a long arm of the L-rod 105 that connects the short arm 110 and the L-rod handle 120, a Female locking Mechanism 130 attached to the short arm of L-rod 110 that receives and locks a Wheelchair Male Locking Mechanism 210 attached to the back of the wheelchair 200, and the L-rod support means 150. When the L-rod 100 is in the vertical orientation to allow unobstructed entry and exit of the wheelchair user 200 as illustrated in Figure 3A, both the L-rod handle 120 and the short arm 110 are in a undocking orientation. To bring the L-rods 100 to the docking orientation and dock the wheelchair 200 as illustrated in Figure 3B, the wheelchair user 200 turns the L-rod handle 120 in the inward direction which correspondingly rotates the short arm 110 to the docking orientation via the long arm 105. The wheelchair user 200 can then push or pull the L-rod handles 120 to slide the L-rods 100 forwards and backwards. This allows the wheelchair user 200 to adjust the position of the L-rods 100 for docking themselves at the appropriate distance from the front and/or sides of the docking area. Alternatively, instead of the L-rod handles 120, the movement and rotation of the L-rods 100 can be automated using electric actuators that take instuctions from the wheelchair user 200. The actuators can be instructed using a panel installed at a conveniently accessible location in the docking area or a remote control.

[0048] The ability to move the L-rods 100 forwards and backwards also allows the wheelchair user 200 to adapt the wheelchair docking mechanism for securely docking wheelchairs of different shapes and sizes. This flexibility in accommodating wheelchairs of all shapes and sizes saves user cost and time in acquiring a compatible wheelchair. The L-rod 100 may also include a holding/clamping means, including but not limited to a quick release clamp, to securely hold/clamp the L-rod 100 in the desired position. The holding/clamping means ensure that the L-rod 100 does not rotate, or move forwards or backwards once the wheelchair user 200 has adjusted the L-rods 100 in the desired position. In the undocking sequence, the aforementioned steps are repeated in reverse.

[0049] In an alternative embodiment, the Female locking Mechanism 130 can be affixed to the short arm 110 to connect and dock with the Wheelchair Male Locking Mechanism 210, as illustrated in Figures 4A-D. Figure 4A illustrates the Female locking Mechanism 130 attached to the short arm 110 and a pin hinge 220, after the short arm 110 is rotated to the docking orientation. The short arm 110, and in-tum the Female locking Mechanism 130, are aligned to the Wheelchair Male locking Mechanism 210 such that the said Wheelchair Male locking Mechanism 210 can be inserted into the said Female locking Mechanism 130. Further, the pin hinge 220 ensures that the Wheelchair Male Locking Mechanism 210 remains parallel to the ground, irrespective of the backrest angle of the wheelchair 200. Thus, the adjustability of height of the pin hinge 220 allows for effortless accommodation wheelchairs of various heights.

[0050] Figure 4B illustrates the aforementioned components from the side view, with the covering panel of the Female locking Mechanism 130 and the L-rod 100 hidden, thereby clearly illustrating a Female Locking Wedge Pad 131. The Female Locking Wedge Pad 131 is attached to a spring means that pushes it towards the upperwall ofthe Female locking Mechanism 130. Figure 4C illustrates the docked orientation of the alternative embodiment, wherein the Wheelchair Male locking Mechanism 210 is inserted into the Female locking Mechanism 130. When the L-rod 100 is rotated to the docking orientation and moved forwards towards the wheelchair 200, the Wheelchair Male locking Mechanism 210 enters the Female locking Mechanism 130 and pushes the Female Locking Wedge Pad 131 downwards until the head of the said Wheelchair Male locking Mechanism 210 is secured behind the said Female Locking Wedge Pad 131. Once secured, the Female Locking Wedge Pad 131 prevents the upward and downward motion of the Wheelchair Male Locking Mechanism 210 using a torsional spring. This in-tum prevents the wheelchair 200, from moving in all 6 degrees of freedom.

[0051] Figure 4D, meanwhile, illustrates the embodiments during the release/undocking sequence of the wheelchair 200. Here, the undocking sequence is initiated by pressing the lock release button 133 (more clearly illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B) which pushes the Female Locking Wedge Pad 131 downwards. Thereupon, the female locking mechanism 130 is pushed downwards by means of a compressive spring force such that the said female locking mechanism 130 disengages the wheelchair male locking mechanism 210. . The wheelchair user 200 can then pull the L-rods 100 backwards thereby returning to the orientation illustrated in Figure 4A.

[0052] In another alternative embodiment, strapping/seat belt mechanism can be installed at a conveniently accessible location within vehicle 1000. The seat belt/strapping mechanism comprises of a spring spooling mechanism, straps, a ratchet strap mechanism and a coupling means, wherein the said spring spooling mechanism allows for the unwinding of the straps when the said straps are pulled and efficient winding of the straps when the said straps are released.

[0053] The coupling means, which may be including but are not limited to the Halder ball mechanism, are placed at the end of the straps such that they can be pulled and secured to the female coupling unit attached to the wheelchair 200. The ratchet strap mechanism further comprising a lever to manually add tension to the straps once the said straps are secured to the female coupling unit, wherein the spring spooling mechanism and the ratchet strap mechanism are placed in close proximity inside the enclosure of the seatbelt/strapping mechanism. Once the L-rods 100 are rotated to a docking orientation, the wheelchair user 200 can employ a set of straps installed at the sidewalls of the vehicle 1000 which can be stretched and coupled to the female coupling unit at the wheelchair 200.

[0054] The wheelchair user 200 can then use the ratchet mechanism to reduce slack and increase tension on the straps once they are coupled to the wheelchair 200. In this alternate embodiment, the wheelchair 200 is prevented from moving in all 6 degrees of freedom once the wheelchair 200 is properly docked. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein. [0055] The advantages of the current invention over the existing technologies include:

• Providing a universal docking mechanism that can be used by the wheelchair user without the aid of an external agent.

• safely and securely dock the wheelchair to the vehicle and prevent movement in all 6 degrees of motion.

• Provides a universal docking mechanism that allows wheelchair users to freely adjust the distance of the wheelchair from the front and/or sides of the docking area.

• Provides a universal docking mechanism that can be manufactured in a simple and cost-efficient process.

• Provides a universal docking mechanism that can easily be adapted to any vehicle.

• Provides a universal docking mechanism that consumes a small footprint.

• Provides a universal docking mechanism that reduces the risk of injury and vehicular accidents.

• Provides a universal docking mechanism that is compatible with numerous other docking mechanisms.

• Provides a universal docking mechanism that is simple to operate.

• The other objects and advantages of the present invention can be obtained from the description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated for illustration of preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A system for docking wheelchairs 200 comprising: at least one L-rod 100 configured to move forwards and backwards, and rotate on the transverse plane configured in such a way that; a short arm 110 of at least one L-rod 100 that can be rotated to a undocking orientation to allow unobstructed entry and exit of a wheelchair 200, or to a docking orientation to dock the said wheelchair 200 to a vehicle 1000; wherein at least one L-rod 100 is slidably connected to the vehicle 1000 via at least one L-rod support means 150 that allows the said L-rod 100 slide in the forwards and backwards direction; a holding/clamping means to securely hold the L-rod 100 once it is brought to the desired orientation; which is can be used in conjunction with: a strapping mechanism installed at a conveniently accessible location in vehicle 1000; or, a pin-based mechanism wherein the a wheelchair male locking mechanism 210 male pin is attached to the back of the said wheelchair 200 and mates with the female locking Mechanism 130 at the short arm 110 of the at least one L-Rod 100.

2. The system for docking wheelchairs 200, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said at least one of the L-rods 100 that are movable in the frontwards and backwards directions, and rotatable in the transverse plane are employed, that can be moved and/or rotated using a L-rod handle 120 placed at a conveniently accessible location on the L-rod 100.

3. The system for docking wheelchairs 200 , as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movement and rotation of the L-rods 100 can be automated using electric actuators that take instuctions from the wheelchair user 200 through a panel installed at a conveniently accessible location in the docking area or a remote control.

4. The system for docking wheelchairs 200, as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the wheelchair user 200 can move at least one L-rod 100 forwards or backwards to dock the wheelchair 200 at a desirable distance from the front and/or the sides of the docking area.

5. The system for docking wheelchairs 200 , as claimed in claim 1, wherein the L-rods 100 can be configured to the vehicle 1000 via the L-rod support means 150 on the sides of the docking area, or the roof or floor of the docking area.

6. The system for docking wheelchairs 200, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said short arm 110 can be rotated to a docking orientation to prevent backwards motion of the wheelchair.

7. The system for docking wheelchairs 200, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said strapping mechanisms at a conveiniently accessible locations in the said vehicle 1000 to secure the movement of the wheelchair 200 that prevent sidewards, forwards and upwards motion of the said wheelchair 200.

8. The system for docking wheelchairs 200 , as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said pinbased mechanism can be installed on the wheelchair 200 and the L-rods 100 in the vehicle 1000 to prevent sidewards, forwards and upwards movement of the said wheelchair 200.

9. The system for docking wheelchairs 200 as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said seat belt/strapping mechanism comprises of a spring spooling mechanism, straps, a ratchet strap mechanism and a coupling means wherein, a spring spooling mechanism located at a conveniently accessible location in the vehicle 1000 allows for unwinding of the straps; a coupling means, are placed at the end of the straps such that they can be pulled and secured to a female coupling unit attached to the wheelchair 200; and a ratchet mechanism is employed to reduce slack and increase tension on the straps once the straps are coupled to the wheelchair 200.

10. The system for docking wheelchairs 200 , wherein a pin-based mechanism comprises a female locking mechanism 130 installed at the short arm 110 of at least one of the L- rod 100, a female locking wedge pad 131 configured inside the female locking mechanism 130, a lock release button 133 and a wheelchair male locking mechanism 210 installed at the back of the said wheelchair 200 via a pin lock hinge 220, wherein; the wheelchair male locking mechanism 210 is connected to the back of the wheelchair 200 via the pin lock hinge 220, such that the pin lock hinge 220 allows the said wheelchair male locking mechanism 210 to pivot to ensure it is always aligned to enter into the female locking mechanism 130; the wheelchair male locking mechanism 210 can be inserted into the female locking mechanism 130 by bringing the short arm 110 of at least one L-rod 100 closer to the wheelchair 200, such that the wheelchair male locking mechanism 210 pushes the female locking wedge pad 131 downwards until the head of the said wheelchair male locking mechanism 210 is behind the said female locking wedge pad 131 to secure the wheelchair 200 to the vehicle 1000; and, the lock release button 133 can be pressed to push the female locking wedge pad 131 which releases the wheelchair male locking mechanism 210, thereby allowing the said wheelchair male locking mechanism 210 to be removed from the female locking mechanism 130. od for docking wheelchair 200 in vehicles 1000, comprising: Docking sequence of the wheelchair 200; the docking sequence initiated once the wheelchair 200 on-boards the vehicle 1000 wherein the at least one L-rod 100 are in a undocking orientation to allow unobstructed entry of the wheelchair 200 to the vehicle 1000; once the wheelchair user 200 enters and positions themselves in a convenient position, the wheelchair user 200 can bring the short arm 110 of at least one L- rod 100 to the docking orientation and move the L-rods 100 in the forward and backward direction to bring the said short arm 110 to the desired distance from the front and/or sides of the docking area using the L-rod handle 120 or through an electric actuator, after which the wheelchair user 200 can use the holding/clamping means to securely hold the L-rods 100 in the desired position; then to prevent the motion of the wheelchair 200 in the forwards, sidewards and upwards directions, the wheelchair user 200 can either use; a strapping mechanism installed at a conveniently accessible location in the vehicle 1000 to secure the said wheelchair 200 to the said vehicle 1000; or a pin-based mechanism wherein the wheelchair user 200 can rotate and adjust the position of the L-rod 100 such that the wheelchair male

16 locking mechanism 210 is inserted into the Female locking Mechanism 130 installed at the short arm 110 of the L-rod 100 to secure the wheelchair 200 to the vehicle 1000 using the L-rod handle 120 or the electric actuator. The method of docking wheelchairs 200 in vehicles 1000 as claimed in claim 11 comprising: undocking sequence of the wheelchair 200; the undocking sequence for the pin-based mechanism is initiated by releasing a holding/clamping means and pressing the lock release button 133 which pushes the Female Locking Wedge Pad 131 downwards to allow the head of the Wheelchair Male locking Mechanism 210 to be released from the Female locking Mechanism Mechanism 130; user 200 can then pull the L-rods 100 backwards returning to the orientation; the undocking sequence for the seat belt/strapping mechanism is initiated by decoupling the female coupling unit and the coupling means, after which the spring spool winds straps into the spool; and user 200 can then release the L-rods 100 from the holding/clamping means and pull the L-rods 100 backwards returning to the orientation.

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