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 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: A modular seat loading system for loading of various driver seats onto an off-road vehicle (ORV), forming a modular wheelchair-accessible ORV. The modular system includes controllable length-adjustment devices, configured to controllably adjust angular position of a floor of the ORV, by controlling length thereof, for switch ably achieving ORV modes: a load mode in which a floor structure of the ORV is tilted forming a non-zero angle ??????? the ORV floor and a ground surface, for removably loading a wheelchair or a wheel-less seat for serving as a driver seat; and a drive mode in which the ORV floor structure is lifted from the ground. The modular seat loading system also includes a load controller configured at least for adjusting length of the length-adjustment devices. Each of the length-adjustment devices is also configured and used for movement suspension of the ORV by enabling natural expansion and contraction responsive to ORV movements and road conditions.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein include an automated securement system that secures a wheeled mobility device for transit in a vehicle, and periodically re-secures the wheelchair to ensure proper securement despite shifting of the wheelchair during transit. The embodiments also include improvements to a compression-based wheeled mobility device securement system.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are improved wheelchair passenger securement systems and stations. In particular, one embodiment described and claimed herein is a bumper being moveable from an extended or usage position to a retracted or storage position to increase the unobstructed floor area of the securement area in a vehicle.

Abstract: A wheelchair securement system includes a first anchoring mechanism and a second anchoring mechanism. The first anchoring mechanism includes a first bar, a first set of seat track anchors, and a first set of adjustable strap anchors. The first bar extends between the first set of seat track anchors and is secured thereto. The first set of adjustable strap anchors is secured to the first bar, and the first set of adjustable strap anchors is configured to be securable to a wheelchair. The second anchoring mechanism includes a second bar, a second set of seat track anchors, and a second set of adjustable strap anchors. The second bar extends between the second set of seat track anchors and is secured thereto. The second set of adjustable strap anchors is secured to the second bar, and the second set of adjustable strap anchors is configured to be securable to the wheelchair.

Abstract: A wheelchair securing structure includes: a securing device provided in a wheelchair securing space inside a vehicle cabin, the securing device being configured to secure a wheelchair; a securing detection portion configured to detect that the wheelchair is secured by the securing device; and a display portion provided at a position where the display portion is visually recognizable by an occupant of the wheelchair from the wheelchair securing space inside the vehicle cabin, the display portion being configured to display a secured state of the wheelchair, the secured state being detected by the securing detection portion.

Abstract: A wheelchair passenger restraint structure includes: a wheelchair space set in a vehicle cabin so that a passenger of a wheelchair is to be boarded in a forward facing posture; a seatbelt configured to restrain an abdomen part of the passenger of the wheelchair boarded in the wheelchair space; a vertical wall provided behind the wheelchair space in the vehicle-body front-rear direction; and a holding member supported by the vertical wall, the holding member being configured to hold a seating face of the wheelchair from below in the vehicle-body up-down direction.

Abstract: A securement system for restricting rolling of a rollable cart residing on a ground surface includes a first mechanism including a first mechanism base defining a first cavity structured to receive a rolling element of the rollable cart therein while the rolling element is in direct contact with the ground surface. The first mechanism may also include a first mechanism blocking member operably coupled to the first mechanism base so as to be adjustably positionable to a closing position in which the first mechanism blocking member blocks a path of the rolling element out of the first cavity, and also to an opening position in which the first mechanism blocking member does not block the path of the rolling element out of the first cavity.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a wheelchair-mounting vehicle including a handrail provided in a support shaft and switched between a used position and a stored position as the support shaft rotates, the used position being a position at which the handrail is arranged in a vicinity of a chest area of an occupant of a wheelchair, and the stored position being a position at which the handrail is arranged along a side wall of a vehicle cabin above the used position in the vehicle upper-lower direction. The support shaft in which the handrail for the occupant of the wheelchair in a forward posture is provided is arranged so as to be inclined upward to a front side in the vehicle front-rear direction in a side view.

Abstract: Cot fastening systems which fix and hold an emergency cot to a crash stable, cot fastener track included in the system and provided within an emergency vehicle and methods of affixing the emergency cot thereto are disclosed. The track has a longitudinal length with first and second ends, open side rails longitudinally extending between the ends, and a channel centrally located between the rails. The side rails align, accommodate and guide a first fixture of the cot towards the first end as the cot is rolled within the vehicle and to retain the first fixture adjacent the first end at least vertically and laterally therein. The channel accommodates therein and retains a second fixture adjacent the second end at least vertically and laterally therein. A securing mechanism releasably prevents removal of the first fixture from the open side rails and removal of the second fixture from the channel.

Abstract: A cot fastening system for fastening a cot to an emergency vehicle includes a frame configured for mounting to the floor of an emergency vehicle, which has a longitudinal axis and a cot loading direction along the longitudinal axis. The system includes a first restraint assembly for coupling to a first cot attachment of the cot, which is mounted to the frame. The system further includes a second restraint assembly for coupling to a second cot attachment, which is also mounted to the frame. The system further includes a spring, such as a coil spring, for biasing the cot in a direction opposed from the loading direction of the frame to thereby apply a pre-load on at least one of said restraint assemblies.

Abstract: A wheelchair fixing device includes: a belt member having one end wound around a retractor and the other end attachable to a wheelchair or an attachment portion in a vehicle cabin; a lock mechanism provided in the retractor and performing electrical switching between a locked state in which the belt member is disabled to be pulled out and an unlocked state in which the belt member is enabled to be pulled out; and a switching unit switching the lock mechanism to the locked state when the other end of the belt member is attached to the wheelchair or the attachment portion, and switching the lock mechanism to the unlocked state when the other end of the belt member is detached in a stopped state of a vehicle.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are improved wheelchair passenger securement systems and stations. In particular, one embodiment described and claimed herein is a bumper having a non-flat contour that is adapted to conform to the shape of a contact surface on the wheelchair.

Abstract: A mobility securement system, and method configured to secure a wheelchair or other mobility device, and its passenger, within a public or private vehicle. In various embodiments, the system includes one or two attachment members, one or two vehicle anchor assemblies and, potentially, at least one fixed or moveable bumper, and may further include a barrier. A tensioning assembly is operably connected to at least one attachment member and vehicle anchor assembly. One or more moveable bumpers are configured to articulate to apply a force against the mobility device, and one attachment member may be hidden behind a stored position of a moveable bumper.

Abstract: Securing system for wheelchairs in vehicles, comprising a rigid bottom frame provided with; —a number of fixation elements which are connected to the if bottom frame and suitable for fixing a wheelchair relative to the bottom frame, wherein each fixation elements comprises a coupling element configured for coupling to a wheelchair, which coupling element is connected with a cable to a retractor, which retractor in unlocked mode exerts a retracting pulling force on the coupling element while the cable can be pulled out, and in locked mode locks the cable so that it cannot be pulled out, wherein the retractors are fixedly connected to the bottom frame and are preferably placed adjacently of each other, and a central securing control for simultaneous operation of the retractors.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are improved wheelchair passenger securement systems and stations. In particular, one embodiment described and claimed herein is a system that includes a wheelchair restraint and a moveable bumper, wherein the movable bumper is configured to induce tension into the wheelchair restraint.

Abstract: A mobility securement system, and method for securing a wheelchair or other mobility device, and its passenger, within a public or private vehicle. In various embodiments, the system includes one or two attachment members, one or two vehicle anchor assemblies and, potentially, at least one fixed or moveable bumper, and may further include a barrier. A tensioning assembly is operably connected to at least one attachment member and vehicle anchor assembly. One or more moveable bumpers are configured to articulate to in turn apply a force against the mobility device, and one attachment member may be hidden behind a stored position of a moveable bumper.

Abstract: A lift for transferring a user to and from a vehicle, the lift including a lift platform for receiving the user, the lift platform being arcuately movable between a first position and a second position; a vertical arm coupled to the lift platform, the vertical arm having a profile that is progressively convex along the entire length of the vertical arm; and a pair of parallel arms extending from the vertical arm, wherein each of the parallel arms is pivotally coupled to a bracket mounted to the vehicle; wherein the vertical arm has a generally U-shaped cross-section that forms a channel configured to receive at least a portion of the pair of parallel arms.

Abstract: A lateral transfer system and method for transferring a patient between a fixed structure and a mobile vehicle. The system including A) a patient transfer device having a frame fixed to wheels and a carriage platform movably attached to the frame, the carriage platform having one or more extendable platform sections for lateral movement of the platform relative to the frame and wheels, and B) a stabilizer system for the patient transfer device. The stabilizer system including a portable platform having two opposing sloped ramps on a first and second sides thereof, a bracket fixedly attached to the platform adjacent a first end thereof, wherein the bracket is adapted for receiving a slide plate appendage attached to the frame of the patient transfer device, wherein the second end of the ramp has a length sufficient to prevent tipping of the platform during a patient transfer maneuver.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle, in particular a public transport vehicle such as a bus or train, comprises a transversely positioned bench seat in front of which there is a wheelchair space. In front of the transversely positioned bench seat in the travel direction of the vehicle is arranged a barrier device comprising at least one barrier element and a rotation axis, about which the barrier element can be moved between a tilted-down position extending in front of the transversely positioned bench seat and a tilted-up position which leaves the wheelchair space free.

Abstract: A mobility securement system, and method for securing a wheelchair or other mobility device, and its passenger, within a public or private vehicle. In various embodiments, the system includes one or two attachment members, one or two vehicle anchor assemblies and, potentially, at least one fixed or moveable bumper, and may further include a barrier. A tensioning assembly is operably connected to at least one attachment member and vehicle anchor assembly. One or more moveable bumpers may articulate to apply a force against the mobility device, and one attachment member may be hidden behind a stored position of a moveable bumper.

Abstract: A mobility securement system, and method for securing a wheelchair or other mobility device, and its passenger, within a public or private vehicle. The system includes two attachment members, two vehicle anchor assemblies, and at least one fixed or moveable bumper, and may further include a fixed or moveable barrier. A tensioning assembly is operable connected to at least one attachment member and vehicle anchor assembly. One or more moveable bumpers may extend and articulate to apply a force against one or more points of the mobility device that are not coplanar with vehicle wall. The mobility securement system may further include a rear barrier which may move, swivel or articulate.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel chock for a vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which secures a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. The vehicle wheel chock is configured to be positioned on a grating adjacent to a tire of the vehicle.

Abstract: The vehicle with wheelchair positioning mechanism includes an automotive vehicle that is modified to assist a disabled person to enter, operate and exit the vehicle. The modification includes a wheelchair lift adjacent the rear of the vehicle. An internal rail system extends from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle adjacent the vehicle's driving controls. A remotely controlled platform is rotatably mounted on a carriage for movement on the rail system. The platform is adapted to support a wheelchair thereon. The platform can be rotated 360° so that the wheelchair moves forward when entering and exiting the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double folding seat for a vehicle, particularly a public transportation vehicle such as a bus or a train, with a bench seat positioned in the direction of travel of the vehicle that has a backrest and a seating surface that can be folded between a home position and a sitting position, with a retaining device for holding a wheelchair or the like that has at least two hooks arranged in extension of the backrest and mounted on a wall supported on a floor of the vehicle, which hooks can be tightened by respective tightening members and loosened by respective loosening members, with a safety belt for the wheelchair user and with a covering for the tightening members and loosening members.

Abstract: A method for transporting a vehicle having a wheel and a flexible underbody component, such as an air dam or skirt, adjacent the wheel. A chock including at least one wheel positioning bump is placed on a deck of the transporter vehicle (railway car, road vehicle, ship, aircraft, etc.) with the bump projecting upwardly from the deck to contact the wheel when the vehicle is in a pre-tie-down position. The chock further includes a sloped portion extending from positioning bump(s) to be located between the flexible underbody component and the deck. As the vehicle is urged downwardly to a tied-down position, the flexible underbody component contacts the sloped portion and is deflected either away from or toward the wheel to protect it from damaging contact with the deck.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are improved wheelchair passenger securement systems and stations. In particular, one embodiment described and claimed herein is a drop-in system comprising a barrier module and a wall-side module, which incorporate two separate restraint devices which are configured to secure a wheelchair at two separate attachment points and a bumper. The system can optionally include a moveable excursion barrier or a pull-mechanism to pre-tension at least one of the restraint devices the wheelchair securements. In a simpler embodiment, a bumper and two restraint devices, such as retractors, are provided for attachment to the vehicle surfaces or structures at a wall side of a wheelchair securement area or at a rear side of the wheelchair securement area.

Abstract: A forked vehicle forms part of an assembly including a transporting vehicle having a powered lift gate. The forked vehicle includes a releasable grip securing the forked vehicle relative to the lift gate. The releasable grip is fixed relative to one of the lift gate and the forked vehicle and engages the other of the lift gate and forked vehicle to secure the forked vehicle relative to the lift gate.

Abstract: An attachment method for attaching a piece of plant machinery such as a mini-excavator to mount, for example a mount on a transporter or trailer. The piece of plant machinery is moved to a mounting location and a moveable portion arrangeable relative to the body is arranged in cooperative engagement with the mount to attach the piece of plant machinery thereto. The moveable portion may for example comprise a moveable drive 10 portion, a scraping blade or an arm.

Abstract: An improved vehicle wheel chock for a vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which secures a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. The vehicle wheel chock is configured to be positioned on a grating adjacent to a tire of the vehicle. The improved vehicle wheel chock includes an improved face-plate.

Abstract: A system to contain a wheeled mobility device in a vehicle, includes: a rearward opening to allow access by the wheeled mobility device by moving the wheeled mobility device forward relative to the orientation of the wheeled mobility device; a forward barrier positioned opposite the rearward opening and connected to the vehicle to limit forward motion of the wheeled mobility device, the forward barrier including at least one energy absorbing member, and at least a first lateral barrier to limit lateral motion of the wheeled mobility device to a first side.

Abstract: An automatic locking system for locking a movable device to a transport device or non-movable bed and for quickly and easily unlocking the movable device while preventing the locked in place device from moving and possibly becoming damaged having a trigger engaged by the movable device operating trigger to release a drop bar lowering inside a collar on the movable device locking the movable device and an angled piece keeps the movable device from rising. Locking brackets on upper and lower portions of device prevent unauthorized release of locking device and protect movable device from theft.

Abstract: A wheel chock restraint system which comprises a wheel chock having a base, a plurality of teeth extending outwardly from the base, the teeth extending in a first direction, and a locking member mounted within the chock, the locking member having a plurality of locking member teeth extending from a bottom thereof, the locking member teeth extending in a second direction generally opposed to the first direction, and an arrangement for moving the locking member in a generally vertical direction.

Abstract: A protective chock for use when transporting a vehicle having a wheel and a flexible underbody component, such as an air dam or skirt, adjacent the wheel. The chock includes at least one wheel positioning bump for placement on a deck of the transporter vehicle (railway car, road vehicle, ship, aircraft, etc.) with the bump projecting upwardly from the deck to contact the wheel when the vehicle is in a pre-tie-down position. The chock further includes a sloped portion extending from positioning bump(s) and the wheel to be located between the flexible underbody component and the deck. As the vehicle is urged downwardly to a tied-down position, the flexible underbody component contacts the sloped portion and is deflected either away from or toward the wheel to protect it from damaging contact with the deck.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are improved wheelchair passenger securement systems and stations. In particular, one embodiment described and claimed herein is a system comprising a barrier module and a wall-side module, which incorporate three separate restraint devices which are configured to secure a wheelchair at three separate attachment points. The system can optionally include a moveable excursion barrier or a pull-mechanism to pre-tension at least one of the restraint devices the wheelchair securements. In a simpler embodiment, three restraint devices, such as retractors, are provided for attachment to the vehicle surfaces or structures in, for example, a generally right-triangular configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system includes a strap assembly configured to be positioned on a portion of a tire of a vehicle to secure the vehicle to a configurable track assembly, such that the strap assembly is configured to be coupled to the configurable track assembly on inboard side of the tire of the vehicle. System includes a pin assembly configured to be coupled to the configurable track assembly on outboard side of the tire of the vehicle, such that the pin assembly is operable to receive the strap assembly. System also includes a winch assembly configured to be coupled to the configurable track assembly and to a second end of the strap assembly, such that the winch assembly is uncoupled from the pin assembly and operable to tighten the strap assembly around a portion of the tire.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel chock for a vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which secures a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. The vehicle wheel chock is configured to be positioned on a grating adjacent to a tire of the vehicle.

Abstract: A restraint device for securing approximately cylindrical objects to an apertured surface is presented. The restraint device generally includes a base, a support, an abutment and an activation system. The restraint device may further include a lateral restraint and a cover. The base, along with the activation system, secures the restraint device to an apertured surface. The abutment, which is placed adjacent the outer edge of the object, acts as a barrier to the object, thus reducing or preventing movement of the object in the direction of the restraint device. The abutment and the support may be moved relative to the base by the activation system. To engage and disengage the restraint device from an apertured surface and the generally cylindrical object, the activation system may include a rotational device such as a lever.

Abstract: A self-tracking cart is provided and includes a body defining an enclosure into and from which a secondary cart is receivable and removable, selectively rotatable first and second hitch assemblies, first and second motive elements, first and second steering assemblies to turn the first and second motive elements in opposite directions responsive to rotations of the first and second hitch assemblies and a linkage, which is coupled to the first and second hitch assemblies to cause the first and second hitch assemblies to rotate jointly in opposing directions, the linkage being disposed for non-interference with the secondary cart during reception and removal thereof into and from the enclosure.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel chock for a vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which secures a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. The vehicle wheel chock is configured to be positioned on a grating adjacent to a tire of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel chock for a vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which secures a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. The vehicle wheel chock is configured to be positioned on a grating adjacent to a tire of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for ensuring the safety of a wheelchair passenger in a transport vehicle is disclosed. The method ensures that the wheelchair is blocked from moving by fixating the wheelchair to the vehicle floor and ensures that the wheelchair passenger is secured in his wheelchair by a safety-belt system. Prior to transport the method includes sensing if the wheelchair is correctly fixed to the vehicle floor and sensing if the safety-belt system is applied correctly. In a second aspect, a method for ensuring the safety of a wheelchair passenger in a transport vehicle is provided, by instructing the operator of the securing procedure to be followed. The safety of a wheelchair passenger in a vehicle is ensured by allowing the wheelchair user to indicate his status of safety.

Abstract: A single point release system provides a single point for efficiently, concurrently releasing multiple cargo retaining latches of an aerial delivery system. A release module is mounted to the platform and connects via a cable and is actuable to a release mode to concurrently release each of the latches.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are improved wheelchair passenger securement systems and stations. In particular, one embodiment described and claimed herein is a drop-in system comprising a barrier module and a wall-side module, which incorporate three separate restraint devices which are configured to secure a wheelchair at three separate attachment points. The system can optionally include a moveable excursion barrier or a pull-mechanism to pre-tension at least one of the restraint devices the wheelchair securements. In a simpler embodiment, three restraint devices, such as retractors, are provided for attachment to the vehicle surfaces or structures in, for example, a generally right-triangular configuration.

Abstract: A railway service vehicle for transporting material into or wheelchair-bound or injured persons away from train accident sites or tunnels includes a body having a platform. Wheels rotatably connected to the body support the body on first and second rails of a railroad track system for non-self propelled movement of the body. At least one mounting device is connected to the platform. A hold-down member releasably connected to the mounting device restrains a wheelchair supported by the platform. A storage/tool container is supported by the platform. At least one passenger seat is connected to the storage/tool container. Opposed first and second containment members are connected to the platform outboard of the mounting device.

Abstract: A parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system. Exemplary embodiments include a parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system for vehicle transports. Exemplary embodiments include a central shaft having a ratchet wheel and a pawl configured to wrap a strap around the central shaft. A parallel shaft is positioned parallel to the central shaft. The strap can be inserted between a variable gap between the central shaft and the parallel shaft. When the central shaft is rotated the strap is wound around the central shaft and the parallel shaft, both of which cooperate to create a self-tightening response of the strap on the central and parallel shafts.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to novel tie-down devices for securing a vehicle to a surface. In one preferred aspect of the inventive subject matter, the tie-down device is a clamp comprising a first half-clamp pivotally coupled to a second half-clamp. Each half-clamp has an inner lining for protecting the vehicle from damage, and an opening for receiving a fastener. The inner linings of each half-clamp are also sized and dimensioned to come into juxtaposing contact with one another before the half-clamp openings are completely overlapping. In this manner, the tie-down device is configured to snugly grip a vehicle member as a fastener disposed through the half-clamp openings is tensioned.

Abstract: A method and cot fastening system for a patient transport vehicle having a rearwardly located patient access which meet the pull requirements for vertical and lateral movement are disclosed. The system comprises a rear mounting part, which mounts on the floor of the transport vehicle adjacent the patient access; a forward mounting part which mounts on the floor forward of the access, rails connecting the rear mounting part to the forward mounting part, and a release mechanism. The rails of the cot fastening system help guide the cot into the vehicle and to the forward mounting part. When the cot has reached the forward mounting part, a cross-member which forms part of the cot undercarriage, is urged against a pair of automatically locking securing mechanisms of the forward mounting part which secures the cot thereto as well as to the rear mounting part via catches.

Abstract: A wheelchair stabilizing device is presented. The device includes a latch spring-biased in the closed position, a mounting bracket, and a swing arm connecting the latch and the mounting bracket. Methods of use and manufacture are also provided.