Abstract: A computing device is provided to monitor or ascertain various characteristics of one or more of a wheeled mobility device securement system, a wheeled mobility device, and an occupant of the wheeled mobility device. The computing device can send any and all data available to it, including but not limited to time, dynamic information concerning the vehicle, the wheeled mobility device securement system, the wheeled mobility device, and the occupant, the actions taken by the computing device during an adverse driving condition, and when those actions were taken, to memory for use after the adverse driving event for analysis purposes to understand and recreate the event.

Abstract: A backrest device that normally supports an occupant and moves forward with the occupant during a forward impact/crash event. The device is equipped with a spring activated biased ratcheting mechanism that provides only forward movement, thus reducing the amount of dangerous rear excursion during the rebound phase, as measured by the occupant's head and torso.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein include an automated securement system that lock a wheeled mobility device into a designated station aboard an autonomous public transit vehicle, thus preventing unintended movement that is discomforting and potentially dangerous for both the WMD user and other passengers. The automated securement system includes features that integrate with typical autonomous public transit vehicles to minimize obstruction during stowage while maximizing effectiveness during deployment.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are rapid-release anchors and fittings for securing equipment to a surface of a vehicle. The embodiments described and claimed herein utilize a surface-mountable anchor capable of releasably engaging with a fitting. The anchor has channel with an open top end and an open bottom end that allow the anchor to be received and removed in both directions, up and down. The anchor includes a locking mechanism that is configured to permit single-handed insertion of the fitting into the anchor. Also disclosed herein are systems comprising multiple anchors and fittings that serve as brackets for the securement of larger devices, cabinets, handles and other pieces of equipment within a vehicle.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein include an automated securement system that lock a wheeled mobility device into a designated station aboard an autonomous public transit vehicle, thus preventing unintended movement that is discomforting and potentially dangerous for both the WMD user and other passengers. The automated securement system includes features that integrate with typical autonomous public transit vehicles to minimize obstruction during stowage while maximizing effectiveness during deployment.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are rapid-release anchors and fittings for securing equipment to a surface of a vehicle. The embodiments described and claimed herein utilize a surface-mountable anchor capable of releasably engaging with a fitting. The anchor has channel with an open top end and an open bottom end that allow the anchor to be received and removed in both directions, up and down. The anchor includes a locking mechanism that is configured to permit single-handed insertion of the fitting into the anchor. Also disclosed herein are systems comprising multiple anchors and fittings that serve as brackets for the securement of larger devices, cabinets, handles and other pieces of equipment within a vehicle.

Abstract: A track fitting for securing a structure to an open-top channeled track may include at least one leaf having a flange portion that depends at an angle from a levering portion, and at least one fastener for connecting the levering portion to the structure, wherein in a secured condition, the flange portion is oriented for engagement with an underside of at least one of the two inwardly directed lips and the levering portion extends outside the open-top channel where the fastener secures the levering portion to the structure.

Abstract: Provided herein is an electronically-controlled wheelchair securement system with a winch apparatus that is adapted for pulling and steering a mobility device (e.g., wheelchair, scooter, stretcher, etc.) up and down the ramp of a rear-entry wheelchair accessible vehicle and for providing securement for the mobility device during transport.

Abstract: A computing device is provided to monitor or ascertain various characteristics of one or more of a wheeled mobility device securement system, a wheeled mobility device, and an occupant of the wheeled mobility device. The computing device can send any and all data available to it, including but not limited to time, dynamic information concerning the vehicle, the wheeled mobility device securement system, the wheeled mobility device, and the occupant, the actions taken by the computing device during an adverse driving condition, and when those actions were taken, to memory for use after the adverse driving event for analysis purposes to understand and recreate the event.

Abstract: A retractor may include various features that reduce the amount of space necessary to secure an object, for example, a wheelchair in a vehicle. In one embodiment, the webbing is designed to come off of the top of the retractor spool, which shifts the webbing take-off point from the spool rearward, as compared to prior art retractors. In another embodiment, the retractor is provided with a webbing guide that rotates around at least a portion of the circumference of the retractor spool. The rotatable guide also shifts the take-off point from the webbing guide rearward, as compared to prior art retractors. In yet another embodiment, the retractor is provided with both a rotatable webbing guide and webbing that comes off of the top of the spool.

Abstract: Provided herein is a electronically-controlled wheelchair securement system with a winch apparatus that is adapted for pulling and steering a mobility device (e.g., wheelchair, scooter, stretcher, etc.) up and down the ramp of a rear-entry wheelchair accessible vehicle and for providing securement for the mobility device during transport. The system includes two motorized front tie-down units adapted to be positioned in the vehicle at the front of the wheelchair securement area. The front tie-down units have extendable/retractable restraints adapted to connect to the front corners of the mobility device frame. By varying the motor speed between the two front tie-down units, the mobility device can be steered up the ramp. For example, when pulling the mobility device up the ramp, the mobility device can be directed to the left by increasing the speed of the right tie-down unit, slowing the speed of the left tie-down unit, or both.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are a restraint system for securing a wheeled mobility device in a vehicle. In one embodiment, at least one restraint includes a hand-releasable connection to the vehicle. In other embodiments, the hand releasable connection is formed by a set of mounting details, where the mounting details include a headed stud received in a slot. In yet other embodiments, the hand releasable connection can be formed by a spring loaded locking pin that engages with a bore. In even further embodiments, the headed stud and spring loaded locking pin are coupled to the restraint, while the slot and bore are coupled to the floor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A retractor may include various features that reduce the amount of space necessary to secure an object, for example, a wheelchair in a vehicle. In one embodiment, the webbing is designed to come off of the top of the retractor spool, which shifts the webbing take-off point from the spool rearward, as compared to prior art retractors. In another embodiment, the retractor is provided with a webbing guide that rotates around at least a portion of the circumference of the retractor spool. The rotatable guide also shifts the take-off point from the webbing guide rearward, as compared to prior art retractors. In yet another embodiment, the retractor is provided with both a rotatable webbing guide and webbing that comes off of the top of the spool.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are a restraint system for securing a wheeled mobility device and its occupant in a vehicle. In one embodiment, occupant restraints and an anchor point are provided. The occupant restraints are connected directly to the anchor point, while the anchor point is on a frame of the wheeled mobility device and is adapted for connection to the vehicle for securing the wheeled mobility device and its occupant to the vehicle. With this configuration, occupant loads during an accident will bypass the gurney and occupant head excursions can be reduced.

Abstract: Systems for securing wheelchairs in a wheelchair-accessible van or similar personal or commercial vehicle. The wheelchair securement system may be integrated into a constructed vehicle or a new floor frame for a converted wheelchair-accessible vehicle prior to the frame being secured to the vehicle body. The wheelchair securement system may be integrated in a way that does not obstruct the wheelchair from maneuvering into the vehicle via the vehicle ramp and within the vehicle as it is positioned into one or more wheelchair securement areas.

Abstract: A backrest device that normally supports the occupant and moves forward with said occupant during a forward impact/crash event. The device is equipped with a spring activated biased ratcheting mechanism that provides only forward movement, thus reducing the amount of dangerous rear excursion during the rebound phase, as measured by the occupant's head and torso.

Abstract: A pre/post-tensioning controller system for a wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint system (“WTORS”) will be a comprehensive energy management system for controlling excessive excursions of a wheeled mobility device during various adverse driving scenarios. The system uses multiple pre-tensioning and post-tensioning events during a front, side, or rear impact crash or rollover scenario—and effectively controls excursions by the tensioning of the WTORS equipment at specific and ideal moments. The system also uses tensioning events on the tie-down equipment during a long duration turn or other aggressive maneuvers. The system may also use tensioning events on the occupant restraints. The energy management system can be adapted for use with traditional four-point tie-downs and newer three- and two-point tie-down systems that incorporate fixed or movable bumpers, as well as compressive-type securement systems, and other systems as well, including docking systems.

Abstract: A backrest device that normally supports the occupant and moves forward with said occupant during a forward impact/crash event. The device is equipped with a spring activated biased ratcheting mechanism that provides only forward movement, thus reducing the amount of dangerous rear excursion during the rebound phase, as measured by the occupant's head and torso.

Abstract: Provided herein is a balanced locking pawl. In particular, the center of gravity of the locking pawl is located at or near the pivot point of the locking pawl. The balanced approach allows for a faster locking response during the rebound (whiplash/return) forces of a crash.

Abstract: A tensioning device is provided for tensioning a retractor in a wheelchair securement system. The tensioning device may include a clutch assembly for communicating rotational movement of a handle to a drive shaft operably connected to the spool of the retractor. The clutch assembly may include a pawl operably connected to the handle, which pawl communicates rotational movement of the handle to a drive sprocket. The clutch assembly may also include a friction member which communicates rotation of the drive sprocket to the drive shaft up to a predetermined amount of rotational force. If the rotational force exceeds the predetermined amount, the friction member will slip and cease to transfer rotational movement from the drive sprocket to the drive shaft. The clutch assembly may also include a compression member for compressing the friction member and drive sprocket whereby the predetermined amount of force may be adjusted.