Patent Description:
There are <NUM> million wheeled mobility device ("WMD") users in America today. Many users remain in their WMD (e.g., wheelchairs, scooters, etc.) while boarding and riding private or mass transportation vehicles. Systems have been developed and employed to secure WMDs and WMD-bound occupants (referred to herein as mobility passengers). These systems are typically comprised of occupant restraints that include at least one shoulder belt along with one or more lap belts. They may also include some form of WMD securement that could comprise one or more tie-downs (e.g., belts), bumpers, barriers, latches and/or automated grippers. Although these systems have proven successful in meeting occupant stability needs and basic crash test requirements, they are typically cumbersome and time consuming to apply. In addition, most of these systems (e.g., tie-down based systems) do not provide the mobility passenger with sufficient independence, such as the ability to secure themselves and their WMD without the assistance of the vehicle driver.

Accordingly, Q'Straint has developed a rear-facing compression-based system, the Quantum, which gives complete independence to mobility passengers. The Quantum enables mobility passengers to secure themselves with the push of a button, and without requiring driver assistance. The Quantum system primarily comprises a backrest and two bumpers, in the form of arms located at opposite sides of the backrest. To use the Quantum, the mobility passenger centers their wheelchair or scooter against the backrest and engages an automatic locking sequence by pressing an ADA-friendly button. Quantum's arms deploy and engage with the WMD on opposite side surfaces by compression to safely secure the wheelchair in place. The arms adjust their grip as needed (i.e., apply additional squeezing force), in response to mechanical pressure sensors that detect the level of force or compression applied to the WMD. Once the vehicle stops at the mobility passenger's destination, the button is pressed again so that they can disembark.

According to the present invention, there is provided a securement system for a wheeled mobility device as set out in claim <NUM>.

The inventions described herein comprise improvements to the Q'Straint Quantum system, but also can be incorporated into other securement systems that utilize one or more moveable bumpers (for example, one or more moveable bumpers incorporated into a <NUM>-point or <NUM>-point or <NUM>-point tie-down system, see <CIT> and <CIT> and U. Patent Publication No. <CIT>) or any securement system that secures a WMD through the use of compression.

Other embodiments, which include some combination of the features discussed above and below, and other features which are known in the art, are contemplated as falling within the claims even if such embodiments are not specifically identified and discussed herein.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that the embodiments are sometimes illustrated by graphic symbols, phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the embodiments described and claimed herein or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted.

Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like or similar parts from Figure to Figure in the following detailed description of the drawings.

<FIG> show a first embodiment of a wheeled mobility device securement system <NUM> for securing a wheeled mobility device in a vehicle. The system <NUM>, or components thereof, may be used in a vehicle as shown (bolted to a surface, such as the floor), or may be incorporated or integrated into other components or modules of a vehicle, such as walls or seat bases. Additionally, the system <NUM> could be combined with various other securement components, such as a backrest, occupant restraints, wheeled mobility device tie-downs, additional bumpers, and/or other supplemental securement systems (airbags, etc.).

The system <NUM> may, as shown, comprise a body assembly <NUM> holding a first bumper <NUM> and a second bumper <NUM>. The bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> may, as shown, define arms <NUM>, <NUM> that extend from arm tubes <NUM>, <NUM> (or telescoping members). The arm tubes <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured (as discussed in more detail below) to extend from and retract into the body assembly <NUM> (i.e., move in both directions along a lateral axis <NUM>). In addition, one or more of the arm tubes, in this case arm tube <NUM>, is configured to rotate about the lateral axis <NUM>. In a typical embodiment, both bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> will be moveable in both directions along a lateral axis <NUM>, but only one will be a rotating bumper (in this case, bumper <NUM>) and one will be a non-rotating bumper (in this case, bumper <NUM>). However, in some embodiments, both bumpers may be rotating or both may be non-rotating. Although the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to move linearly along lateral axis <NUM>, other embodiments need not move linearly. See, for example, <CIT>.

The embodiment shown in <FIG> may be configured to secure a wheeled mobility device in either: (<NUM>) a rear-facing configuration with the first bumper <NUM> disposed adjacent to a right-side vehicle wall and the second bumper <NUM> located adjacent an aisle of the vehicle; (<NUM>) a forward-facing configuration with the first bumper <NUM> located adjacent a left-side vehicle wall and the second bumper <NUM> located adjacent a vehicle aisle; or (<NUM>) a side-facing configuration with the body assembly <NUM> adjacent a vehicle wall and the first bumper <NUM> adjacent a modesty barrier. Other configurations are contemplated and possible by modifying the structure and function of first and second bumpers <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, to facilitate a rear-facing configuration with the system located between a left-side vehicle wall and vehicle aisle, a mirror image of the system <NUM> could be used (e.g., wherein a non-rotating bumper could be used in place of bumper <NUM> and a rotating bumper could be used in place of bumper <NUM>).

In <FIG>, the system <NUM> is shown in a stow position with the first bumper <NUM> down and extended (away from the body assembly <NUM>, and adjacent a vehicle wall) and the second bumper <NUM> up and retracted (adjacent to the body assembly <NUM> and away from the vehicle aisle). The second bumper <NUM>, being positioned in both the up and retracted position, reduces a tripping hazard that may otherwise be present due to the system <NUM> extending into the vehicle aisle. In the stow position, the system <NUM> is ready to receive a wheeled mobility device in the wheelchair securement area <NUM>. In particular, a wheelchair passenger can back their wheeled mobility device into the wheelchair securement area <NUM> and toward the body assembly <NUM> (whereby the seatback of the wheeled mobility device will be adjacent or touching a backrest extending upward from the body assembly <NUM>, if present). Access into the wheelchair securement area <NUM> from the aisle of the vehicle is made easy by keeping the second bumper <NUM> in the up position.

In <FIG>, the system <NUM> is shown in a deploy position, whereby the second bumper <NUM> has moved outward from the body assembly <NUM>. In <FIG>, the system is shown in an engage position, whereby the second bumper <NUM> is rotated downward where it may be generally parallel with the first bumper <NUM>, after which the first and second bumper <NUM>, <NUM> each begin to move toward each other until both of the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> engage with the wheeled mobility device. Because each bumper <NUM>, <NUM> is capable of continuing to move even after the other bumper <NUM>, <NUM> has contacted the side of the wheeled mobility device, the system <NUM> is capable of securing a wheeled mobility device that is located off center in the wheelchair securement area <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the system <NUM> is shown in a wheelchair secure position, whereby the first and second bumper <NUM>, <NUM> are intended to be engaged with opposite sides of the wheeled mobility device and are applying a compressive, securing force on the wheeled mobility device. As discussed in more detail below, the system <NUM> is configured to periodically confirm that sufficient compressive force is applied to the wheeled mobility device, and to apply additional force as needed.

In <FIG>, the system <NUM> is shown partially exploded into various sub-assemblies, including the body assembly <NUM> (which holds a rotation motor assembly <NUM> for the second bumper <NUM> and the static collar assembly <NUM> for the first bumper <NUM>), the first bumper <NUM> (i.e., a "static" or "non-rotating" arm or bumper), the second bumper <NUM> (i.e., a "rotating" arm or bumper), a release handle assembly <NUM>, and a controller assembly <NUM>.

The first bumper <NUM> is shown in greater detail in <FIG>. The bumper <NUM> is generally comprised of an arm <NUM>, an arm tube <NUM>, and a linear drive <NUM>. The arm <NUM> is generally comprised of a structural member <NUM>, a gripper assembly <NUM>, a cover plate <NUM> that are configured to interconnect with a plurality of fasteners. The gripper assembly <NUM> includes a grip pad or gripping surface <NUM> for engagement with a surface of the wheeled mobility device. The gripping surface <NUM> may be a resilient, high friction surface and may be inflatable and/or include moveable fingers or other structures to enhance grip on the wheeled mobility device. The arm <NUM> is connected to the arm tube <NUM> using a plurality of fasteners and angle brace <NUM> to provide additional structural rigidity. The first bumper <NUM> may include various lights or speakers to warn vehicle occupants that the bumper <NUM> is moving, or of imminent movement. Lights and speakers may also be provided on other components of the system <NUM>, including the body assembly <NUM> and the second bumper <NUM>. The arm tube <NUM> includes a first channel <NUM> extending from one end of the arm <NUM> to the other for receiving the linear drive <NUM>. The arm tube <NUM> may include a second channel <NUM> along at least a portion of its length for receiving a linear drive power assembly <NUM> (which could be an electrical wiring harness or hydraulic or pneumatic tubes). The linear drive <NUM> as shown is an electrical motor and gear-driven linear actuator with a cylinder <NUM> holding a piston <NUM>. The piston <NUM> telescopes with the cylinder <NUM> to change the length of the linear drive <NUM> as measured from the base <NUM> of the cylinder <NUM> to the end <NUM> of the piston <NUM>. Although shown as a motor and gear-driven linear actuator, it is contemplated that the linear drive <NUM> could alternatively be hydraulically or pneumatically driven. As discussed in more detail below, the base <NUM> of the linear drive <NUM> is secured to the first bumper <NUM>, while the end <NUM> of the linear drive <NUM> is secured to the second bumper <NUM>. Extending the piston <NUM> from the cylinder <NUM> causes the linear drive <NUM> to lengthen and thus causes the first bumper <NUM> and the second bumper <NUM> to move away from each other (e.g., to release a wheeled mobility device from securement). Retracting the piston <NUM> into the cylinder <NUM> causes the linear drive <NUM> to shorten and thus causes the first bumper <NUM> and the second bumper <NUM> to move toward each other or to compress and secure the wheeled mobility device. The first bumper <NUM> may include one or more magnets <NUM>, for instance located along the length of the arm tube <NUM>. The magnets <NUM> may be positioned to be picked up by one or more magnetic proximity sensors for detecting the lateral position of the first bumper <NUM> (e.g., how far the bumper <NUM> is extended or retracted into the main body <NUM>). In this case, a first proximity sensor <NUM> is located in the body assembly <NUM> (see <FIG>) for detecting magnet <NUM> when the first bumper <NUM> is fully extended.

The second bumper <NUM> is shown in greater detail in <FIG>. The bumper <NUM> is generally comprised of an arm <NUM> and an arm tube <NUM>. The arm <NUM> is generally comprised of a structural member <NUM>, a gripper assembly <NUM>, and a cover plate <NUM> that are configured to interconnect with a plurality of fasteners. Like the gripper assembly <NUM> for the first bumper <NUM>, the gripper assembly <NUM> includes a grip pad or gripping surface <NUM> for engagement with a surface of the wheeled mobility device. The arm <NUM> is connected to the arm tube <NUM> using a plurality of fasteners and an angle brace <NUM> to provide additional structural rigidity. The second bumper <NUM> may include various lights or speakers to warn vehicle occupants that the bumper <NUM> is moving, or of imminent movement. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the bumper <NUM> includes an oval-shaped LED light <NUM> and associated power harness <NUM> are provided (although any shape and number of lights may be used). The bumper <NUM> further includes a bezel <NUM> on one side and a docking bumper <NUM> on the other side. The docking bumper <NUM> is soft and resilient, may be constructed of a rubber-type material, and is designed to engage and nest with brake nub <NUM> on the side of the body assembly <NUM> when the bumper <NUM> is in the fully retracted position (see <FIG>). A magnet <NUM> is provided adjacent the docking bumper <NUM> for pickup by the sixth proximity sensor <NUM>. When the magnet <NUM> is in pickup range by the sixth proximity sensor <NUM>, the controller for the system <NUM> knows that the second bumper is both up and fully retracted (as shown in <FIG>). The arm tube <NUM> has a cross-section that corresponds to and is slightly smaller than the cross-section of the arm tube <NUM> of the first bumper <NUM>, whereby the arm tube <NUM> can be received inside of the arm tube <NUM>. In this case, both arm tubes <NUM>, <NUM> have a square cross-section and are designed to telescope. In that respect, the non-rotating bumper <NUM>, which is designed to not rotate, can prevent the rotating bumper <NUM> from rotating when the arm tubes <NUM>, <NUM> are telescopingly engaged. Rotation of the bumper <NUM> is permitted, however, when the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> are sufficiently extended out of the body assembly <NUM>, whereby the arm tubes <NUM>, <NUM> disengage from telescoping engagement. The arm tube <NUM> includes a channel <NUM> extending from one end of the arm <NUM>, and has dimensions slightly larger than and can receive the linear drive <NUM> (both the cylinder <NUM> and the piston <NUM>). The piston <NUM> is configured to extend through the channel <NUM>, and the end <NUM> of the piston <NUM> is configured to engage with the release handle assembly <NUM> to lock the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> together. As discussed in more detail below, the release handle assembly <NUM> can be used to disengage the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM>, whereby the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> can be moved by hand in an emergency to release a secured wheeled mobility device. The second bumper <NUM> may include one or more magnets <NUM>, for instance located around the radius or on various sides of the arm tube <NUM>, or along the length of the arm tube <NUM>. In this case, there are two magnets <NUM>, one each in corresponding apertures <NUM> on respective sides of the arm tube <NUM> that are offset from each other by approximately <NUM>°. The magnets <NUM> may be positioned to be picked up by one or more magnetic proximity sensors located in the body assembly <NUM> for detecting the rotational or lateral position of the first bumper <NUM> (e.g., whether the bumper <NUM> is up or down and/or how far the bumper <NUM> is extended or retracted into the main body <NUM>). In this case, a fourth proximity sensor <NUM> is located in the body assembly <NUM> (on the rotation motor assembly <NUM>, see <FIG>) for detecting magnets <NUM> when the second bumper <NUM> is fully extended (because there are two magnets <NUM> that are offset by <NUM>°, the fourth proximity sensor <NUM> can detect full extension when the bumper <NUM> is both up and down).

The rotation motor assembly <NUM> for the second (rotating) bumper <NUM> is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The rotation motor assembly <NUM> includes a rotation frame <NUM> for holding the various components of the assembly, which allows the rotation motor assembly <NUM> to be assembled outside of the body assembly <NUM>, and thereafter secured in the body assembly <NUM> as a unit. The rotation frame <NUM> holds an electric motor <NUM> and a rotating collar assembly. The electric motor in this case is a <NUM> Volt DC motor, although AC power and any other suitable voltage may be used. The motor <NUM> includes a motor sprocket <NUM>, and the rotating collar assembly <NUM> includes a collar sprocket <NUM>. The motor sprocket <NUM> is interconnected with the collar sprocket <NUM> via chain <NUM>. The motor sprocket <NUM> includes fewer teeth than the collar sprocket <NUM>, whereby the sprockets and chain assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> act as a speed reducer, where the motor shaft rotates at a higher speed than the collar assembly <NUM> rotates. The rotating collar assembly <NUM> is provided with an aperture <NUM> for receiving arm tube <NUM> therethrough. The aperture <NUM> has a cross-section corresponding to the cross section of the arm tube <NUM>, in this case square, whereby the second bumper <NUM> rotates with the collar assembly <NUM>. The inside surface of the aperture <NUM> may include a plurality of rollers <NUM> spaced about the periphery of the aperture <NUM>, in this case sixteen rollers <NUM> (eight around the periphery of the aperture <NUM> at one end, and eight at the other end), which allow the second bumper <NUM> to move along the lateral axis <NUM> freely back and forth. In place of the rollers <NUM>, a low friction sliding surface may be provided. The rotating collar assembly <NUM> may comprise a rotating collar <NUM>, the rotating collar sprocket <NUM>, and a stow bar <NUM>, which are secured together in the configuration shown using fasteners. In a first position, the stow bar <NUM> does not impede the extension and retraction of the arm tube <NUM> in and out of the body assembly <NUM>. However, when rotated <NUM>° clockwise (looking outward from the body assembly <NUM>, i.e., when the bumper <NUM> is in the up position), the stow bar (or stop member) <NUM> is positioned in alignment with a portion <NUM> of the arm tube <NUM> (in this case, the end of channel <NUM>) to hold the bumper <NUM> in its fully extended position. In that respect, operation of the linear drive <NUM> when the stop member <NUM> is engaged with the portion of the arm tube <NUM> will cause only the second bumper <NUM> to extend and retract from the body assembly <NUM>, while the first bumper <NUM> remains stationary. This permits the configuration shown in <FIG>, where the first bumper <NUM> is fully extended from the body assembly and the second bumper <NUM> is fully retracted into the body. The rotating collar <NUM> is configured to hold a rotation stopper ring <NUM>, a first bearing ring <NUM>, a buffer plate <NUM>, and a second bearing ring <NUM>, in the order shown in <FIG>, about its periphery. The rotation stopper ring <NUM> is configured to rotate with the rotating collar assembly <NUM>, and includes a tab <NUM> that holds a magnet <NUM>. The buffer plate <NUM>, being disposed between the first and second bearing rings <NUM>, <NUM>, does not rotate with the rotating collar assembly <NUM>, but rather rotates with respect to both the rotating collar assembly <NUM> and the rotating frame <NUM>. The buffer plate <NUM> includes a first stop <NUM> and a second stop <NUM>, each of which acts as a stop for the tab <NUM>. The first stop <NUM> is configured to engage with the tab <NUM> (and stop rotation thereof) when the bumper <NUM> is in the down position, while the second stop <NUM> is configured to engage with the tab <NUM> (and stop rotation thereof) when the bumper <NUM> is in the up position. The first and second stops <NUM>, <NUM> hold second and third proximity sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, that sense the magnet <NUM> located on the tab <NUM>, whereby the controller for the system <NUM> can be programmed to know when the bumper <NUM> is appropriately positioned in the up or down position, depending upon which position is desired. For example, when moving the bumper <NUM> from an up position to a down position, the controller can power the motor <NUM>, and continue to power the motor <NUM>, until the proximity sensor located on the first stop <NUM> senses the magnet <NUM>. Conversely, when moving the bumper from a down position to an up position, the controller can power the motor <NUM>, and continue to power the motor <NUM>, until the proximity sensor located on the second stop <NUM> senses the magnet <NUM>. The buffer plate <NUM> further includes a bracket <NUM>, while the rotation frame <NUM> includes a corresponding bracket <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> and corresponding bracket <NUM> are configured to hold a compression spring <NUM> therebetween, which is held in place using a bolt <NUM> and nut <NUM>. The compression spring <NUM> is therefore configured to allow some rotation of the buffer plate <NUM> in the counter-clockwise direction (looking outward from the body assembly <NUM>) and thereby buffer, cushion, or dampen any unexpected downward forces that are exerted on the bumper <NUM>, such as a vehicle occupant standing on the bumper when it is located in the down position (which, of course, would push the tab <NUM> into the first stop <NUM>, thereby rotating the buffer ring <NUM> and compressing the compression spring <NUM>). The buffer ring <NUM> is prevented from clockwise rotation (looking outward from the body assembly <NUM>) by virtue of bolt <NUM> and nut <NUM> which interconnect the buffer ring <NUM> with the rotation frame <NUM>. The rotation frame <NUM> holds a fourth proximity sensor <NUM>, which is position to detect when the second bumper <NUM> is in the fully extended position. Because the arm tube <NUM> of the second bumper <NUM> includes two magnets <NUM> that are offset by <NUM>°, the proximity sensor can detect when the second bumper <NUM> is in the fully extended position, both when positioned up (as shown in <FIG>) and down (as shown in <FIG>). As best shown in <FIG>, the rotation motor assembly <NUM> further includes a strokeout pin <NUM> with springs <NUM>, <NUM> biasing the strokeout pin <NUM> in both directions along lateral axis <NUM>. Strokeout pin <NUM> holds magnet <NUM> for pickup by a fifth proximity sensor <NUM>. In its unbiased position, magnet <NUM> will be located adjacent to (within pickup range of) the fifth proximity sensor <NUM>. When the first bumper <NUM> is fully retracted into the body assembly <NUM>, the portion <NUM> of the arm tube <NUM> will engage with the strokeout pin <NUM> from inside of the body assembly, which will displace the strokeout pin <NUM> and magnet <NUM> outward, putting the magnet <NUM> outside of the pickup range of the fifth proximity sensor <NUM>. Alternatively, when the second bumper <NUM> is fully retracted, the arm <NUM> will engage with the strokeout pin <NUM> from the outside, displacing the strokeout pint <NUM> and magnet <NUM> inward, also putting the magnet <NUM> outside of the pickup range of the fifth proximity sensor <NUM>. When the magnet <NUM> is outside of the pickup range of the fifth proximity sensor <NUM>, the controller for the system <NUM> will then know that one of the first or second bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> is fully retracted into the body assembly <NUM>, which is indicative of improper securement (no wheeled mobility device in the securement area, or wheeled mobility device is too far off center in the securement area <NUM>, to the left or to the right).

The static collar assembly <NUM> for the first (non-rotating or static) bumper <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The static collar assembly <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> for holding the various components of the assembly, which allows the static collar assembly <NUM> to be assembled outside of the body assembly <NUM>, and thereafter secured in the body assembly <NUM> as a unit. The frame <NUM> holds a static collar <NUM>. The static collar <NUM> is provided with an aperture <NUM> for receiving arm tube <NUM> therethrough. The aperture <NUM> has a cross-section corresponding to the cross section of the arm tube <NUM>, in this case square, whereby the static collar <NUM> prevents the first bumper <NUM> from rotating. The inside surface of the aperture <NUM> may include a plurality of rollers <NUM> spaced about the periphery of the aperture <NUM>, in this case sixteen rollers <NUM> (eight around the periphery of the aperture <NUM> at one end, and eight at the other end), which allow the first bumper <NUM> to move along the lateral axis <NUM> freely back and forth. In place of the rollers <NUM>, a low friction sliding surface may be provided. The static collar <NUM> is configured to hold a bearing ring <NUM> and a buffer plate <NUM> in the order shown in <FIG>, about its periphery, whereby the buffer plate <NUM> with rotate with the static collar <NUM>, but will rotate with respect to the frame <NUM>. The buffer plate <NUM> includes a bracket <NUM>, while the rotation frame <NUM> includes a corresponding bracket <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> and corresponding bracket <NUM> are configured to hold a compression spring <NUM> therebetween, which is held in place using a bolt <NUM> and nut <NUM>. The compression spring <NUM> is therefore configured to allow some rotation of the buffer plate <NUM> in the clockwise direction (looking outward from the body assembly <NUM>) and thereby buffer, cushion, or dampen any unexpected downward forces that are exerted on the bumper <NUM>, such as a vehicle occupant standing on the bumper when it is located in the down position. The buffer ring <NUM> (and therefore the bumper <NUM>) is prevented from counter-clockwise rotation (looking outward from the body assembly <NUM>) by virtue of bolt <NUM> and nut <NUM> which interconnect the buffer ring <NUM> with the frame <NUM>.

The body assembly <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The body assembly <NUM> comprises a main housing <NUM> for holding the various subassemblies of the system <NUM>, including the first bumper <NUM>, the second bumper <NUM>, the rotation motor assembly <NUM>, the release handle assembly <NUM>, the static collar <NUM>, and the controller assembly <NUM>. The body assembly <NUM> includes shoulder bezels <NUM>, <NUM> and plates <NUM>, <NUM> secured to the sides of the body assembly. The bezels <NUM>, <NUM> and plates <NUM>, <NUM> include apertures for receiving the first and second bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> respectively. The body assembly further includes a brake nub or stop <NUM> located on the side of the frame <NUM> for engagement with the bumper <NUM> when it is located in the up and fully retracted position (see <FIG>). A sixth proximity sensor <NUM> is located in the brake nub <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the release handle assembly <NUM> is comprised of manual release handle <NUM> and release handle latch <NUM>. The release handle latch <NUM> is secured to the second bumper <NUM> using a fastener. The manual release handle <NUM> is configured to couple the end <NUM> of the piston <NUM> to the second bumper <NUM>, and the release handle latch <NUM> holds the manual release handle <NUM> in a locked position. As best seen in <FIG>, the manual release handle <NUM> may take the form as a lever, with a grip portion <NUM> at one end and a pivot point at the other end, where the pivot end of the handle <NUM> includes a bar or pin <NUM>. The grip portion <NUM> is connected to the pin <NUM> by at least one lever arm, in this case two lever arms <NUM>. As best seen in <FIG>, the release handle latch <NUM> may be a spring connector with wings <NUM>, <NUM>. The wings <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to overlay the lever arms <NUM> and to thereby hold the manual release handle <NUM> in an engaged or locked position as shown in <FIG>. The end <NUM> of the piston <NUM> can be characterized as generally cylindrical, and provides a bayonet style connector for the handle. In particular, the end <NUM> includes one or more L-shaped slots <NUM> for receiving the pin <NUM>. The slots <NUM> include an entry portion <NUM> that is aligned generally along the lateral axis <NUM> and a retention portion <NUM> that is generally transverse to the entry portion <NUM>, and may include an upturned end to enhance retention of the pin <NUM>. To remove the manual release handle <NUM> (to decouple bumper <NUM> from the piston <NUM> and allow the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> to the moved along the lateral axis <NUM> by hand), one can grab the grip portion <NUM> and pull away from the bumper <NUM>, causing the manual release handle <NUM> to pivot about the pin <NUM>. The manual release handle can be twisted in a counter-clockwise direction (or, in another embodiment with the L-shaped slot mirrored, clockwise) to move the pin from the retention portion <NUM> into alignment with the entry portion <NUM>. The manual release handle <NUM> can then be pulled outward from the bumper <NUM>, whereby the pin <NUM> will be withdrawn from the slot <NUM>. The reverse steps are followed to re-couple the bumper <NUM> with the piston <NUM>. Notably, the lever arms <NUM> include a projection <NUM> on their underside, where the projection serves as the pivot point for the handle <NUM>. This configuration creates an over-center type lock, because the pin <NUM> is positioned between the projection <NUM> and the grip portion <NUM>. In particular, when the piston <NUM> pulls on pin <NUM>, it urges the grip portion <NUM> end of the handle <NUM> further into engagement with the release handle latch <NUM>.

The controller assembly <NUM> includes a printed circuit board <NUM> and a controller <NUM>. Collectively, the controller assembly <NUM> provides a system by which securement of a wheeled mobility device may be automated. The controller assembly <NUM> collectively may provide a computing device <NUM> that can perform some or all of the processes described above and below. The computing device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, storage <NUM>, an input/output (I/O) interface <NUM>, and a communications bus756. The bus <NUM> connects to and enables communication between the processor <NUM> and the components of the computing device <NUM> in accordance with known techniques. Note that in some computing devices there may be multiple processors incorporated therein, and in some systems there may be multiple computing devices.

The processor <NUM> communicates with storage <NUM> via the bus <NUM>. Storage <NUM> may include memory, such as Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, etc., which is directly accessible. Storage may also include a secondary storage device, such as a hard disk or disks (which may be internal or external), which is accessible with additional interface hardware and software as is known and customary in the art. Note that a computing device <NUM> may have multiple memories (e.g., RAM and ROM), multiple secondary storage devices, and multiple removable storage devices (e.g., USB drive and optical drive).

The computing device <NUM> may also communicate with other computing devices, computers, workstations, etc. or networks thereof through a communications adapter <NUM>, such as a telephone, cable, or wireless modem, ISDN Adapter, DSL adapter, Local Area Network (LAN) adapter, USB, or other communications channel. Note that the computing device <NUM> may use multiple communication adapters for making the necessary communication connections (e.g., a telephone modem card and a LAN adapter). The computing device <NUM> may be associated with other computing devices in a LAN or WAN. All these configurations, as well as the appropriate communications hardware and software, are known in the art.

The computing device <NUM> provides the facility for running software, such as Operating System software and Application software. Note that such software executes tasks and may communicate with various software components on this and other computing devices. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, computer programs such as that described herein are typically distributed as part of a computer program product that has a computer useable media or medium containing or storing the program code. Such media may include a computer memory (RAM and/or ROM), a diskette, a tape, a compact disc, a DVD, an integrated circuit, a programmable logic array (PLA), a remote transmission over a communications circuit, a remote transmission over a wireless network such as a cellular network, or any other medium useable by computers with or without proper adapter interfaces.

The computing device <NUM> may be located onboard a wheeled mobility device securement system, or may be located remotely in the vehicle or elsewhere. In general, the computing device <NUM> may be programmed to or includes a computer program product that may be configured to: monitor or ascertain various characteristics of one or more of the vehicle, the wheeled mobility device securement system (including but not limited to the types of securement systems described herein), the wheeled mobility device, and the passenger; and control and automate the securement of the wheeled mobility device and passenger in the system <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> may operate with machine language and receive relevant information, signals, data or input from one or more sensors, devices, or other external sources (e.g., proximity sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), to inform the securement process. The computing device may also receive additional information, signals, data or input, including from the storage <NUM> and/or one or more communications adapter <NUM>, the vehicle <NUM>, user panels <NUM>, and motors/linear drives <NUM>, <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> may then determine appropriate actions and initiate them via designated outputs. For example, the computing device <NUM> may issue instructions, in the form of signals, to various motors/linear drives <NUM>, <NUM> for the securement system.

The processor <NUM> may be configured to communicate with the vehicle operator and/or the wheelchair passenger thru one or more optional interface panels <NUM>. The panels <NUM> may contain command switches or buttons that produce signals, as well as indicator lights, audible alarms, and voice, with optional text or full graphic displays with touch-sensing capabilities. The panels <NUM> may be a wall-mounted unit, a wired or wireless remote control, or even an application running on a tablet or mobile device, such as an iPhone.

The computing device <NUM> may be configured communicate with the vehicle <NUM> (e.g., the controller, collision detection system, etc.) to send information regarding the status of the securement and safety systems, as well as to receive information concerning the status of the vehicle. For example, the computing device <NUM> may be configured to send signals to the vehicle <NUM> indicating that the wheeled mobility device is properly secured by the securement system, whereby the vehicle may be interlocked until a proper securement signal is received. The computing device <NUM> may be configured to receive signals from the vehicle <NUM> representative of the status and/or various dynamic conditions of the vehicle, including but not limited to: vehicle stopped; vehicle neutralized, in gear, out of gear, in park, powered down, etc.; vehicle brake applied; vehicle accelerator applied; steering wheel position; vehicle door status; and any other information that may be accessible from the vehicle systems.

The computing device <NUM> may also communicate with a central monitoring facility through the communications adapter <NUM>, for example for diagnostic reasons and/or database and software updates, etc., or to provide updates regarding the status of the securement system (e.g., occupied, non-occupied, properly secured, and/or improperly secured). The central monitoring facility could also provide the computing device <NUM> with advanced scheduling information.

In general, the computing device <NUM> is programmed to receive signals or inputs from one or more sensors concerning the position of a moveable bumper, which may include any number of different sensors such as magnetic proximity sensors or contact switches. The computing device <NUM> is also programmed to receive signals or inputs concerning the pressure being applied to a wheeled mobility device by the moveable bumper. In the case of bumper being moved by an electric motor, the computing device <NUM> is programmed to receive signals or inputs concerning the voltage and current being provided to the motor. The computing device <NUM> may be programmed to control motor speed using pulse width modulation (hereinafter "PWM"). The computing device <NUM> may be programmed to ensure that the bumper does not provide more than a threshold amount of pressure on the wheeled mobility device. For example, in a system including an electric motor, the computing device <NUM> can monitor the current being provided to the motor and to open the circuit (i.e., turn the motor off) when the current exceeds a threshold amount. Moreover, the computing device <NUM> may be programmed to ensure that the bumper is maintaining a threshold amount of pressure on the wheeled mobility device during transit by continuously cycling the motor on (closing the circuit) with a predetermined frequency (e.g., turn motor on once every second) and monitoring current until it hits a predetermined threshold amount (after which the motor is turned off).

The above-described computing device <NUM> can be programmed for use with the embodiment of <FIG>. For example, after a wheeled mobility device is backed into the securement area and a "secure" button is pushed by either the vehicle operator or wheelchair passenger, a signal is sent to the computing device <NUM> to begin the securement process. The computing device <NUM> responds by activating the motor in the linear drive <NUM> to extend the second bumper <NUM> from the position shown in <FIG> to the position shown in <FIG>. The computing device <NUM> can control the extension speed of bumper <NUM> to a first speed by using PWM and control the force that can be applied by the bumper <NUM> by monitoring and limiting the current to the motor. The computing device <NUM> will monitor the position of the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> during the extension process and will stop the motor of the linear drive <NUM> when it receives a signal from one or more sensors that are indicative of both bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> being fully extended. For instance, the computing device <NUM> will stop the motor of the linear drive <NUM> when both of proximity sensors <NUM>, <NUM> sense magnets <NUM>, <NUM> located on the inner ends of the of the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> will also monitor the current being provided to the motor of the linear drive <NUM>, and stop the motor when the current exceeds a first threshold amount that is indicative of an obstruction blocking the path of the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM>. The first threshold amount is selected so as to not damage or harm any obstructions, which may be objects or persons in the vehicle.

The computing device <NUM> will then activate the rotation motor <NUM> to rotate the bumper <NUM> downward from the position shown in <FIG> to the position shown in <FIG>. The computing device <NUM> can control the rotation speed of bumper <NUM> to a second speed by using PWM and control the force that can be applied by the bumper <NUM> by monitoring and limiting the current to the motor <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> will monitor the rotational position of the bumper <NUM> during the rotation process and will stop the rotation motor <NUM> when it receives a signal from one or more sensors that are indicative of bumpers <NUM> being rotated to the down position. For instance, the computing device <NUM> will stop the rotation motor <NUM> when proximity sensor <NUM> senses magnet <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> will also monitor the current being provided to the rotation motor <NUM>, and stop the motor when the current exceeds a second threshold amount that is indicative of an obstruction blocking the path of the bumper <NUM>. The second threshold amount is selected so as to not damage or harm any obstructions, which may be objects or persons in the vehicle.

The computing device <NUM> will then activate the motor of the linear drive <NUM> to retract the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> into the body assembly <NUM> from the position shown in <FIG> to the position shown in <FIG> (until the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> touch the sides of the wheeled mobility device). The computing device <NUM> can control the approach speed of bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> (how fast they move toward each other) to a third speed by using PWM and control the force that can be applied by the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> by monitoring and limiting the current to the motor of the linear drive <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> will monitor the current being provided to the motor of the linear drive <NUM>, and stop the motor when the current exceeds a third threshold amount that is indicative of an obstruction blocking the path of the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., the wheelchair). The third threshold amount is selected so as to not damage or harm any obstructions, which may be objects or persons in the vehicle. The computing device <NUM> will then pause to give the operator or passenger the opportunity to move any unintended obstructions that may be touching the bumpers (i.e., any items other than the wheelchair), before the vehicle operator can instruct the computing device <NUM> to apply the full securing force. While moving the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> to the wheelchair engage position, the computing device <NUM> will also monitor the lateral position of the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> during the retraction process and will stop the motor of the linear drive <NUM> when it receives a signal from one or more sensors that are indicative of bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> being fully retracted (an error condition). For instance, the computing device <NUM> will stop the motor of the linear drive when proximity sensor <NUM> ceases to sense magnet <NUM> (which, as explained above, is indicative of either bumper <NUM> or bumper <NUM> being fully retracted).

The computing device <NUM> is programmed to cause the system <NUM> to apply a final securing force to the wheeled mobility device in response to: (<NUM>) a signal from a vehicle operator or passenger button; (<NUM>) a signal from the vehicle indicative of the vehicle leaving park. In particular, the computing device <NUM> will activate the motor of the linear drive <NUM> to retract the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> into the body assembly <NUM> until the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> apply a sufficient amount of force the sides of the wheeled mobility device. The computing device <NUM> can control the approach speed of bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> (how fast they move toward each other) to a fourth speed by using PWM, wherein the fourth speed may be less than the third speed. The computing device can also control the force that can be applied by the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> by monitoring and limiting the current to the motor of the linear drive <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> will monitor the current being provided to the motor of the linear drive <NUM>, and stop the motor when the current exceeds a fourth threshold amount, wherein the fourth threshold amount may be greater than the third threshold amount. The fourth threshold amount is selected so as to provide sufficient restraining force to the wheeled mobility device, but to not damage the wheeled mobility device. While moving the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> to the wheelchair secure position, the computing device <NUM> will also monitor the lateral position of the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> during the retraction process and will stop the motor of the linear drive <NUM> if it receives a signal from one or more sensors that are indicative of bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> being fully retracted (an error condition). For instance, the computing device <NUM> will stop the motor of the linear drive when proximity sensor <NUM> ceases to sense magnet <NUM> (which, as explained above, is indicative of either bumper <NUM> or bumper <NUM> being fully retracted).

The computing device <NUM> may also be programmed to re-secure the wheeled mobility device to account for movement of the wheeled mobility device during transit and to ensure that adequate restraint force is continuously applied to the wheeled mobility device. In particular, the computing device <NUM> may be programmed to periodically activate the motor of the linear drive <NUM> to retract the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> into the body assembly <NUM> until the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> apply a sufficient amount of force the sides of the wheeled mobility device. In one embodiment, the computing device <NUM> activates the motor for the linear drive <NUM> once every second. The computing device <NUM> can control the approach speed of bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> (how fast they move toward each other) to a fifth speed by using PWM, wherein the fifth speed may be the same or less than the fourth speed. The computing device can also control the force that can be applied by the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> by monitoring and limiting the current to the motor of the linear drive <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> will monitor the current being provided to the motor of the linear drive <NUM>, and stop the motor when the current exceeds a fifth threshold amount, wherein the fifth threshold amount may be the same or greater than the fourth threshold amount. The fourth threshold amount is selected so as to provide sufficient restraining force to the wheeled mobility device, but to not damage the wheeled mobility device. While moving the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> to the wheelchair secure position, the computing device <NUM> will also monitor the lateral position of the bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> during the retraction process and will stop the motor of the linear drive <NUM> if it receives a signal from one or more sensors that are indicative of bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> being fully retracted (an error condition). For instance, the computing device <NUM> will stop the motor of the linear drive when proximity sensor <NUM> ceases to sense magnet <NUM> (which, as explained above, is indicative of either bumper <NUM> or bumper <NUM> being fully retracted).

The system <NUM> described herein has additional use with other restraints, one example being tie-down based systems that utilize motorized tensioners for the wheeled mobility device tie-downs. See, for example, the system disclosed in <CIT>. As a further example, the computing system <NUM> disclosed herein can be used to periodically apply power to a motorized retractor until a measured force being applied to the wheeled mobility device by the motorized retractor (e.g., the current being provided to the motor) reaches a predetermined threshold.

Although the inventions described and claimed herein have been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the inventions described and claimed herein can be practiced by other than those embodiments, which have been presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation.

Claim 1:
A securement system (<NUM>) for a wheeled mobility device, the securement system comprising:
a first electric motor (<NUM>) that causes a wheeled mobility device restraint (<NUM>, <NUM>) to exert a force on a wheeled mobility device; characterized in that
a computing system (<NUM>) includes a processor (<NUM>) configured to receive an input indicative of the force being applied to the wheeled mobility device and activate the first electric motor (<NUM>) to cause the wheeled mobility device restraint (<NUM>, <NUM>) to exert an additional force on the wheeled mobility device; and
the processor (<NUM>) is programmed to confirm securement of the wheeled mobility device during transit by periodically activating the first electric motor (<NUM>) with a predetermined frequency, wherein the first electric motor (<NUM>) stays activated until the input exceeds a threshold value.