Patent Description:
The present application relates to a passenger vehicle for transporting one or more passengers, and more particularly to a docking system for releasably coupling a wheelchair to a floor in a vehicle.

Automobile manufacturers do not currently mass-produce passenger motor vehicles specifically designed to transport passengers having physical limitations, either as a driver or as a non-driving passenger. Consequently, mass-produced passenger vehicles are modified, or retrofitted, by a number of aftermarket companies dedicated to supplying vehicles to physically limited passengers. Such vehicles can be modified by removing certain parts or structures within a vehicle and replacing those parts with parts specifically designed to accommodate the physically limited passenger. For example, in one configuration, a van or bus is retrofitted with a ramp to enable a physically limited individual using a wheelchair to enter and exit the vehicle without the assistance of another individual.

Other known products for retrofitting a vehicle, such as a van, bus, sport-utility vehicle, or motor coach, include wheel chair lifts, lift platforms, and lowered floor surfaces. In some instances, a floor of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vehicle is lowered or otherwise modified to accommodate an entry and exit of the physically limited individual through a side door or entrance of the vehicle. <CIT> discloses a height adjustable wheelchair docking system.

In a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a wheelchair docking system for being coupled to a floor includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being movable relative to the lower portion between a lowered position and a raised position; a coupler mechanism configured to engage a wheelchair during a docking operation, the coupler mechanism being positioned on the upper portion; a first latching mechanism being movable between a retracted position and a latching position, the first latching mechanism spaced from the coupler mechanism; and a second latching mechanism for moving the upper portion of the frame between its lowered position and raised position; wherein, the first latching mechanism is partially retracted by a wheelchair during the docking operation; wherein, the first latching mechanism is biased to its latching position when the coupler mechanism engages the wheelchair.

In a first example of this embodiment, the first latching mechanism is biased to its latching position by a spring. In a second example, the first latching mechanism comprises a locking pin. In a third example, an actuator is coupled to the locking pin, the actuator being operably actuated between an extended position and a retracted position to move the locking pin between its latching position and its retracted position.

In a fourth example, a first scissor assembly is operably coupled between the upper portion and the lower portion; and a second scissor assembly operable coupled between the upper portion and the lower portion, the second scissor assembly being spaced longitudinally from the first scissor assembly. In a fifth example, the first scissor assembly and the second scissor assembly each includes a first leg and a second leg, the first leg and second leg being coupled to one another via a connection pin. In a sixth example, the first leg is disposed outwardly of the second leg.

In a seventh example, the first leg is coupled to an external location of the upper portion and an internal location of the bottom portion; the second leg is coupled to an internal location of the upper and lower portions. In an eighth example, one end of the first leg is affixed to the lower portion and an opposite end is slidably coupled to the upper portion; one end of the second leg is affixed to the upper portion and an opposite end is slidably coupled to the lower portion. In a ninth example, the second leg of the first scissor assembly is coupled to the second leg of the second scissor assembly via a longitudinal member.

In a tenth example, the first or second scissor assembly is coupled to a cross member. In an eleventh example, an actuator is coupled to the cross member, the actuator being operably actuated between an extended position and a retracted position to move the cross member longitudinally; wherein, as the cross member moves longitudinally, the upper portion of the frame moves between its lowered position and raised position.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a wheelchair docking system for being coupled to a floor includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being movable relative to the lower portion between a lowered position and a raised position; a coupler mechanism configured to engage a wheelchair during a docking operation, the coupler mechanism being positioned on the upper portion; a first latching mechanism being movable between a retracted position and a latching position, the first latching mechanism spaced from the coupler mechanism; a second latching mechanism for moving the upper portion of the frame between its lowered position and raised position; a first release mechanism for operably controlling movement of the first latching mechanism; and a second release mechanism for operably controlling the second latching mechanism to move the upper portion from its lowered position to its raised position.

In one example of this embodiment, an actuator is coupled to the first latching mechanism, the actuator being operably actuated between an extended position and a retracted position to move the first latching mechanism between its latching position and its retracted position. In a second example, the first release mechanism includes a user control for communicating with a controller, the controller operably actuating the actuator between its extended and retracted positions; a plate coupled to the first latching mechanism via a pin, the plate being coupled to the actuator; a spring for biasing the first latching mechanism to its latching position; wherein, upon receiving a command from the user control to enable the first release mechanism, the controller operably actuates the actuator which moves the plate for compressing the spring; wherein, as the spring compresses, the first latching mechanism moves from its latching position to its retracted position.

In another example, the first latching mechanism and the second latching mechanism comprise manually-operable cables. In a further example, the second release mechanism includes a cable operably coupled to a plate having a slot defined therein; a pin disposed within the slot for movement therein from a first position to a second position; an actuator for operably controlling the upper portion between its lowered position and its raised position, the actuator comprising a rod operably coupled to the pin; wherein, in the lowered position, the pin is disposed at a first end of the slot and the actuator is in a retracted position; wherein, as the cable is pulled, the pin moves from the first end to a second end of the slot, where movement of the pin from the first end to the second end induces the rod to extend in a longitudinal direction; further wherein, movement of the rod in the longitudinal direction induces the upper portion to move from its lowered position to its raised position.

In yet another example, the system includes a first scissor assembly operably coupled between the upper portion and the lower portion; and a second scissor assembly operable coupled between the upper portion and the lower portion, the second scissor assembly being spaced longitudinally from the first scissor assembly; wherein, as the actuator moves from its retracted position to an extended position, the first and second scissor assemblies induce the movement of the upper portion from its lowered position to its raised position.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a wheelchair docking system for being coupled to a floor includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being movable relative to the lower portion between a lowered position and a raised position; a coupler mechanism configured to engage a wheelchair during a docking operation, the coupler mechanism being positioned on the upper portion; a first latching mechanism being movable between a retracted position and a latching position, the first latching mechanism spaced from the coupler mechanism; a second latching mechanism for moving the upper portion of the frame between its lowered position and raised position; a first tether assembly comprising a first tether strap coupled at one end to the lower portion and at an opposite end to the upper portion, the first tether assembly positioned at a rear end of the frame; and a second tether assembly comprising a second tether strap coupled at one end to the lower portion and at an opposite end to the upper portion, the second tether assembly positioned at a front end of the frame.

In an example of this embodiment, the system may include a bracket mounted to the lower portion of the frame; and a pin coupled to the mounting bracket; wherein, the first tether strap is coupled to the pin at the one end.

The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description.

Referring to <FIG> of the present disclosure, a wheelchair <NUM> is depicted. The wheelchair <NUM> may include a frame <NUM> supported by one or more wheels <NUM>. A brake or anti-tilt/tip mechanism <NUM> may be located at one or more wheels <NUM> for slowing down or keeping the wheels <NUM> from turning, if necessary. The wheelchair <NUM> may be a powered wheelchair or a manually-operated wheelchair. Any type of wheelchair <NUM> is applicable to the present disclosure.

In <FIG>, the wheelchair <NUM> is shown located in an interior of a vehicle which has a vehicle floor <NUM>. The vehicle floor <NUM> may be the original OEM vehicle floor, or it may be a modified vehicle floor to accommodate a ramp or wheelchair lift assembly. In any event, the wheelchair <NUM> may be maneuvered such that the physically limited individual operating or positioned in the wheelchair may be positioned in any location of the vehicle, including at the driver's position of the vehicle.

In conventional vehicle arrangements, a physically limited individual may drive the vehicle so long as the wheelchair is properly latched or connected to the vehicle floor in at least one or two manners. Most conventional wheelchairs therefore are designed to include a bolt or other bolt-like feature connected to a bottom of the chair and protruding downward toward the floor. The bolt may then be received by a conventional docking system which is bolted through to the floor. The conventional docking system has a mechanism which receives and latches to the bolt, thereby holding the wheelchair to the vehicle floor. Additional mechanisms may be used to further support and fasten the wheelchair to the vehicle floor.

The conventional wheelchair, however, presents many problems. First, the bolt protrudes downwardly from the wheelchair and leaves very little clearance between the floor and the bolt. Thus, the bolt can often contact obj ects and the like that the wheelchair would otherwise clear. When the bolt does contact an object, it can cause the wheelchair to tip forward or rearward, or become obstructed with. Alternatively, the object may be dragged by the bolt until it can be cleared from underneath the wheelchair. In either case, it is disadvantageous to have a bolt protruding downwardly from the wheelchair and reducing the clearance between the wheelchair and floor.

In the present disclosure, an improved docking system <NUM> allows for the wheelchair <NUM> to have greater clearance between it and the floor <NUM>. Moreover, the docking system <NUM> includes a first latching mechanism for coupling to a coupling device <NUM> on the wheelchair <NUM>, and a second latching mechanism for coupling the wheelchair <NUM> to the vehicle floor <NUM> and preventing it from tilting to the left or right as the vehicle makes a turn. Thus, the present disclosure provides a better connection between the wheelchair <NUM> and the vehicle floor <NUM>, and one which is safer over conventional docking systems. Further, the present disclosure provides a track system <NUM> which allows the docking system <NUM> to be adjusted longitudinally along the vehicle floor <NUM> for different sized passengers.

In <FIG>, for example, the bottom portion of the wheelchair <NUM> is better shown. Here, the wheelchair <NUM> has a bottom surface <NUM> to which the coupling device <NUM> is connected via one or more fasteners. The coupling device <NUM> may be a substantially U-shaped bracket <NUM> formed by a first leg <NUM> and a second leg <NUM>. The first and second legs are spaced from one another to define an opening <NUM> therebetween. In <FIG>, the opening <NUM> is oriented towards a front end <NUM> of the wheelchair <NUM> rather than a rear end <NUM>.

The opening <NUM> in the bracket <NUM> is configured to engage with the docking system <NUM>. The docking system <NUM> may include a frame <NUM> and a coupler mechanism <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The coupler mechanism <NUM> may comprise a neck portion <NUM> (<FIG>) that extends upwardly from the frame <NUM> and terminates at a disk-shaped top portion <NUM>. As the wheelchair <NUM> is moved into engagement with the docking system <NUM>, the bracket <NUM> comes into contact with the coupler mechanism <NUM>. In particular, the coupler mechanism <NUM> is received within the opening <NUM> of the coupling device <NUM>, and the first leg <NUM> and second leg <NUM> are received within a space <NUM> (<FIG>) defined between the frame <NUM> of the docking system <NUM> and the disk-shaped top portion <NUM> of the coupler mechanism <NUM>. In the engaged position, the first leg <NUM> and second leg <NUM> may be in close proximity or contact with the neck portion <NUM> of the coupler mechanism <NUM>.

To maintain the wheelchair <NUM> engaged with the docking system <NUM>, the docking system <NUM> may further include a retractable locking pin <NUM>. The locking pin <NUM> may have an angled surface which comes into contact with a first surface <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> causing the locking pin <NUM> to be pushed downwardly into an opening. Once the bracket <NUM> clears the locking pin <NUM>, a spring <NUM> (<FIG>) may bias the locking pin <NUM> to its upward position of <FIG>. In the upward position, the bracket <NUM> is retained between the coupler mechanism <NUM> and the locking pin <NUM>. This connection between the wheelchair <NUM> and docking system <NUM> may establish a first of at least two latching mechanisms of the present disclosure.

The aforementioned track system <NUM> of the present disclosure is also shown in <FIG>. Here, the track system <NUM> may include a first track <NUM> and a second track <NUM>. The docking system <NUM> may be movably coupled to the first and second tracks, which is shown in greater detail in <FIG> and <FIG>.

In <FIG>, for example, a lower portion <NUM> of the frame <NUM> of the docking system <NUM> is shown. Here, a flange <NUM> may protrude rearwardly from the lower portion <NUM> as shown. The docking system <NUM> spans the a gap defined between the first track <NUM> and second track <NUM>. In some instances, the gap therebetween may be different or adjustable depending upon the vehicle. Thus, to accommodate different gaps between the first and second tracks, the flange <NUM> may include a plurality of openings <NUM> (<FIG>) to adjustably couple the docking system <NUM> to the track system <NUM>.

The docking system <NUM> may include a bottom plate or panel <NUM> which define a plurality of openings <NUM> therein as well. The plurality of openings <NUM> are also to accommodate different gaps between the first and second tracks.

Each of the tracks may include a body that has a bottom portion <NUM> and a top portion <NUM>. The top portion <NUM> may have an outer lip that extends outwardly on both sides, as shown in <FIG>. Moreover, each track defines a plurality of receptacles <NUM> configured to receive the docking system <NUM>. In <FIG>, for example, the plurality of receptacles <NUM> may include a first receptacle <NUM>, a second receptacle <NUM>, a third receptacle <NUM>, a fourth receptacle <NUM>, and so forth. Each of the plurality of receptacles <NUM> is equally spaced from an adjacent receptacle along each longitudinal track. Further, a narrower channel <NUM> connects each adjacent receptacle to another receptacle, as shown in <FIG>. The channel <NUM> may extend from a first end of each track <NUM>, <NUM> to an opposite end thereof.

The docking system <NUM> may be movably coupled to the track system <NUM> via an adjustable latch <NUM>. In <FIG>, the adjustable latch <NUM> may include a body <NUM> that defines an opening <NUM> for receiving a fastener <NUM>. In <FIG>, the fastener <NUM> may fit through one of the plurality of openings <NUM> in the flange <NUM> and further coupled to the body <NUM>. For instance, the body <NUM> may include internal threads to which the fastener <NUM> may be coupled. The fastener <NUM> may couple to the body <NUM> in any conventional manner.

The adjustable latch <NUM> may include a tab portion <NUM> which may be slidable in an upward direction <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. As the tab portion <NUM> is moved in the upward direction <NUM>, it may be released from being disposed in one of the plurality of receptacles <NUM>. As a result, the adjustable latch <NUM> can be used to move the docking system <NUM> in a longitudinal direction <NUM> relative to the track system <NUM>. Moreover, as the docking system <NUM> is moved, a first post <NUM> and a second post <NUM> on each adjustable latch <NUM> may slide through the narrow channel <NUM> until the tab <NUM> is repositioned in a different receptacle.

The adjustable latch <NUM> may be located on the rear of the docking system <NUM>. At the front of the docking system, a pair of retaining pins may be engaged with the first track <NUM> and second track <NUM>. Each retaining pin may include a neck portion <NUM> and a retaining end <NUM>. A nut <NUM> or other fastener may be threadedly coupled to the neck portion <NUM> of each retaining pin. Thus, the retaining pin is coupled to the bottom panel <NUM> of the docking system. The retaining pin, unlike the adjustable latch <NUM>, remain coupled to the docking system and may slide in the longitudinal direction <NUM> through the channel <NUM> as the docking system <NUM> is adjusted.

Referring now to <FIG>, the docking system <NUM> is shown coupled to the track system <NUM>. The docking system <NUM> may include a top portion <NUM> and a bottom portion <NUM>. The bottom portion <NUM> has been described with respect to <FIG> above and include the bottom panel <NUM> and flange <NUM>. The top portion <NUM> forms part of the frame <NUM> to which the coupler mechanism <NUM> and locking pin <NUM> are connected. In <FIG>, the docking system <NUM> is shown in its lowered position <NUM>, whereas in <FIG> the docking system <NUM> is in its raised position <NUM>. The docking system <NUM> is in its raised position <NUM> when it is not engaged with the wheelchair <NUM>.

The docking system <NUM> includes a switch <NUM> for detecting the presence of the bracket <NUM> and wheelchair <NUM>. A wire or other means may electrically couple the switch <NUM> to a controller <NUM> (<FIG>) for communicating with the driver or physically limited individual that the bracket <NUM> is coupled to the docking system <NUM>. For instance, the controller <NUM> or a control system <NUM> may receive a signal from the switch <NUM> and display a signal or illuminate a light on a dashboard <NUM> of the vehicle indicating the connection.

A second wire or cable <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. This wire or cable <NUM> may be coupled to a first actuator <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. A control button <NUM> located in the vehicle may be electrically coupled to the actuator <NUM> via the wire or cable <NUM>. Alternatively, the controller <NUM> or control system <NUM> may automatically communicate with the actuator <NUM> to trigger it between an extended and retracted position. The actuator <NUM> forms part of the second latching mechanism of the present disclosure.

When the sensor <NUM> detects that the wheelchair is engaged by the coupler mechanism <NUM> and locking pin <NUM>, it may send a signal to a controller <NUM> to automatically trigger the actuator <NUM>. Alternatively, the signal may be displayed on a dashboard <NUM> or display screen <NUM> in the cab of the vehicle, and the operator may manually trigger the actuator <NUM>. As the actuator <NUM> extends and retracts, the top portion <NUM> may move upwards or downwards relative to the lower or bottom portion <NUM>. In other words, the actuator <NUM> may control the movement of the docking system <NUM> between its raised position <NUM> of <FIG> and its lowered position <NUM> of <FIG>.

The manner in which the docking system <NUM> moves between its raised and lowered positions will now be described. The docking system <NUM> may include a front scissor assembly <NUM> on a front end thereof and a rear scissor assembly <NUM> on a rear side thereof. Moreover, there may be a front scissor assembly <NUM> and rear scissor assembly <NUM> on both the left and right sides of the docking system <NUM>. The front scissor assembly <NUM> and rear scissor assembly <NUM> may include a pair of legs. For example, each assembly may include a first leg <NUM> and a second leg <NUM>. The first leg <NUM> may be disposed outwardly of the second leg <NUM>. Moreover, the first leg <NUM> may be coupled to an outside location of the top portion <NUM> of the docking system <NUM> and an inside location of the bottom portion <NUM>. The second leg <NUM> may be coupled at an inside location of the top and bottom portions of the docking system <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

The first leg <NUM> and second leg <NUM> may be coupled at an approximate midpoint along the length of each leg. In <FIG>, for example, the first leg <NUM> and second leg <NUM> may be pivotally coupled via a connection pin <NUM> or fastener. The first leg <NUM> and second leg <NUM> can therefore pivot relative to one another about an axis defined by the connection pin <NUM>. This is the only coupling point between the first and second legs.

The first leg <NUM> may be fixedly coupled at one end thereof to the bottom portion <NUM> of the docking system <NUM> via a fastener <NUM>. Thus, the first leg <NUM> cannot move laterally relative to the bottom portion <NUM> at this location. At an opposite end, the first leg <NUM> may be movably coupled to the top portion <NUM> via a pin <NUM>. Here, the pin <NUM> can move within a longitudinal slot <NUM> defined in the top portion <NUM> of the docking system <NUM>. Thus, as the actuator <NUM> extends and retracts, the first leg <NUM> remains fixed at one end to the bottom portion <NUM> via the fastener <NUM> but moves longitudinally in the slot <NUM> at an opposite end thereof.

Similarly, the second leg <NUM> includes two ends. At a first end, the second leg <NUM> is fixedly coupled to the top portion <NUM> via a fastener <NUM>. At an opposite second end, the second leg <NUM> is movably coupled to the bottom portion <NUM> via a pin <NUM>. The pin <NUM> is able to move longitudinally within a longitudinal slot <NUM> defined in the bottom portion <NUM>.

The above-described first and second legs of the front scissor assembly <NUM> is equally applicable to the front scissor assembly <NUM> on the opposite side of the docking system <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Moreover, the rear scissor assembly <NUM> functions in the same manner. Thus, for sake of brevity, the manner in which the rear scissor assembly <NUM> operates will not be described.

The rear scissor assembly <NUM> is also coupled to a cross member <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In particular, the cross member <NUM> extends the width of the docking system <NUM> and is coupled to the pins <NUM> and second leg <NUM>. Moreover, the cross member <NUM> may be coupled to the actuator <NUM> via a connector <NUM> (<FIG>). In <FIG>, for example, the connector <NUM> is shown as a bolt <NUM> that couples a rod <NUM> of the actuator <NUM> to the cross member <NUM>. As the actuator <NUM> extends and retracts, the cross member <NUM> may move longitudinally. Since the cross member <NUM> is coupled to the second legs <NUM>, movement of the cross member <NUM> in a longitudinal direction <NUM> (<FIG>) via the actuator <NUM> may in turn induce the second legs <NUM> to move longitudinally within the longitudinal slots <NUM>.

The second leg <NUM> of the rear scissor assembly <NUM> may be coupled to the second leg <NUM> of the front scissor assembly <NUM> via a longitudinal member <NUM>. Thus, longitudinal movement of the second leg <NUM> of the rear scissor assembly <NUM> is in turn translated into longitudinal movement in the same direction of the second leg <NUM> of the front scissor assembly <NUM>. As a result, the docking system <NUM> is capable of moving between its raised position <NUM> and lowered position <NUM> via actuation of the first actuator <NUM>.

The bottom portion <NUM> of the docking system <NUM> may include a first recess <NUM> and a second recess <NUM> for receiving the connection pin <NUM> of the front and rear scissor assemblies in the lowered position <NUM>.

Once the docking system <NUM> is in its lowered position <NUM>, it is better able to maintain the wheelchair <NUM> from rocking or tilting as the vehicle is making a turn. The locking pin <NUM> provides a first latching mechanism to connect the wheelchair <NUM> to the docking system <NUM>, and the actuation of the docking system <NUM> to its lowered position functions as a second latching mechanism for holding the wheelchair <NUM> more securely during vehicle operation.

While the first and second latching mechanisms are able to securely couple the wheelchair <NUM> to the vehicle floor <NUM>, there may be an instance where it is desirable to manually release the latching mechanisms. For example, if the vehicle is involved in an accident or there is an emergency, it may be necessary to unlatch the chair from the floor. Alternatively, if the vehicle loses electrical power, it may be necessary to manually release the wheelchair from the docking system <NUM>. To do so, there are two release systems in place for this.

In <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, for example, a first of the release systems is depicted. Here, a first release mechanism <NUM> is shown for releasing the locking pin <NUM> and allowing the wheelchair to move away from the docking system <NUM>. Before describing this release mechanism <NUM>, however, it is necessary to point out that in <FIG> that a second actuator <NUM> is provided for moving the locking pin <NUM> between its upward and downward positions. The second actuator <NUM> may be controlled by a controller <NUM> such as the vehicle controller <NUM> or any other controller. In one example, a controller <NUM> for only controlling the docking system <NUM> may be provided. In this instance, the controller <NUM> may be in communication with the vehicle controller <NUM> and/or any other controller of the vehicle (e.g., transmission controller <NUM>, engine controller <NUM>, etc.) over a communication link such as CAN, J-<NUM>, etc..

The second actuator <NUM> may be coupled to a plate <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. As the actuator <NUM> is actuated between an extended and retracted position, it induces movement of the plate <NUM>. As the plate <NUM> is moved, it is coupled to the locking pin <NUM> via a pin <NUM> to move it in a downward position to compress a spring <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> may provide sufficient force to the plate <NUM> to compress the spring <NUM> and move the locking pin to a retracted position such as shown in <FIG>. As the actuator <NUM> returns to a normal position, the spring <NUM> may bias the locking pin <NUM> to its upright position of <FIG>. Thus, control of the second actuator <NUM> allows for releasing the locking pin <NUM> when desired. Moreover, the locking pin <NUM> and pin <NUM> may move in a direction indicated by arrow <NUM> in <FIG>.

In some instances, a button or other control <NUM> may be in the vehicle to allow the wheelchaired passenger or other individual to control the actuator <NUM>. The button or control <NUM> may be manually triggered, which sends a signal to a controller <NUM> which in turn commands the actuator <NUM> to actuate between its extended and retracted positions. As described above, an alternative embodiment would be for the controller <NUM> to automatically detect a condition to release the locking pin <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may include logic, software, or an algorithm to operate from for actuating the first and second actuators of the present disclosure.

The first release mechanism <NUM> may include a cable or cord <NUM> of which a user may pull to retract the locking pin <NUM> from its latched position of <FIG>. The cable or cord <NUM> may be coupled to a cable <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, and one end of the cable <NUM> may be coupled to the locking pin <NUM> via a set screw <NUM> or other fastener. Thus, movement of the cable <NUM> induces the locking pin <NUM> to move downward and compress the spring <NUM>.

The cable <NUM> passes through a ferrule <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. A bracket <NUM> is further coupled to the cable <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> may be similar to or the same as the plate <NUM>. A ball <NUM> or other feature may be coupled to the cord <NUM> and rests against the plate <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. As a user pulls on the cord <NUM>, it in turn pulls the cable <NUM> and locking pin <NUM> downwardly until the locking pin <NUM> is in the position shown in <FIG>.

A sensor <NUM> may be provided for detecting a position of the locking pin <NUM> and communicate this to a controller <NUM> or display the position on a dashboard <NUM> or other display <NUM> in the vehicle. Thus, the operator and/or wheelchaired passenger will know the position of the locking pin <NUM> based on the detection made by the sensor <NUM>.

The release mechanism <NUM> is useful to release the locking pin <NUM> and allow the wheelchair to be disengaged from the docking system <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG>, a second release mechanism <NUM> is shown for raising the docking system <NUM> from its lowered position <NUM> to its raised position <NUM>. Here, the second release mechanism <NUM> may include a safety strap or cable <NUM> that is coupled to a plate <NUM> via a fastener <NUM>.

A spring <NUM> may be coupled between the plate <NUM> and the bottom portion <NUM> of the docking system <NUM>. In particular, the spring <NUM> may include a first hook end <NUM> coupled to the bottom portion <NUM> and a second hook end <NUM> coupled to the plate <NUM>.

The plate <NUM> may further be coupled to the docking system <NUM> via a first connector <NUM>. In addition, the plate <NUM> may include an L-shaped slot <NUM> defined therein. A pin <NUM> may slide or otherwise move within the slot <NUM>. The pin <NUM> may be coupled to a rod <NUM> of the first actuator <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. As the pin <NUM> moves within the slot <NUM>, the rod <NUM> may extend or retract.

For example, in <FIG>, the docking system <NUM> may be in its lowered position <NUM>. The spring <NUM> is in its free, extended or uncompressed position <NUM>. The pin <NUM> is located at a first end of the slot <NUM> and the actuator rod <NUM> is in its retracted position. In <FIG>, however, the strap or cable <NUM> may be pulled to achieve a release configuration <NUM> thereby causing the pin <NUM> to move within the slot <NUM> to an opposite end thereof. As it does, the spring <NUM> is extended along direction <NUM>. Moreover, as the pin <NUM> moves to the opposite end of the slot <NUM>, the pin <NUM> induces the rod <NUM> to extend along direction <NUM> in <FIG>. In doing so, the first and second scissor assemblies may raise the docking system <NUM> an amount equivalent to the length of the slot to relieve down pressure. Thus, in one example, the second release mechanism <NUM> is capable of transferring the docking system <NUM> from its lowered position <NUM> to its raised position <NUM>. Stated another way, a clamping force on the docking system <NUM> is in effect relieved. In combination with the first release mechanism <NUM>, the wheelchair <NUM> may be manually disengaged and released from the docking system <NUM> as necessary.

Referring to <FIG>, which has been intermittently alluded to in the above description, a control system <NUM> for controlling the docking system <NUM> and the interaction between the docking system <NUM> and the wheelchair <NUM> is provided. The control system <NUM> may include a controller <NUM> which includes a memory unit and processor. The memory is capable of storing logic, algorithms, software, etc. for performing one or more tasks. The memory may further store information, collect data, and receive information from other controllers such as a vehicle controller <NUM>, engine controller <NUM>, and transmission controller <NUM>. The processor or processing unit may be capable of executing the logic, algorithms, software, etc..

In one embodiment, the controller <NUM> is a stand-alone controller for controlling the docking system <NUM>. In another embodiment, the controller <NUM> may be the vehicle controller <NUM>, the engine controller <NUM>, the transmission controller <NUM>, or any other controller found on a vehicle. Moreover, the controller <NUM> may be remotely located from the vehicle and communicate with the docking system over a wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi.

The controller <NUM> may be in communication with a user control <NUM> which may be located in the vehicle. Alternatively, the user control <NUM> may be remote from the vehicle. In any event, a user such as the wheelchaired passenger or vehicle operator may send instructions to the controller <NUM> by actuating the user control <NUM>.

In turn, the controller <NUM> may communicate with the user by displaying a signal, data, information, instructions, etc. via a display <NUM> or dashboard <NUM>. The display <NUM> or dashboard <NUM> may be located in the vehicle. The display <NUM> may be a computer display. The signal may be communicated by illuminating a light in the vehicle to alert the user that the docking station <NUM> is engaged with the wheelchair <NUM> or vice versa. Other types of signals are also possible.

The controller <NUM> may be in communication with the first actuator <NUM> and second actuator <NUM> of the docking system <NUM>. In this manner, the controller <NUM> may command either or both actuators to extend or retract. This may be based on a user command via the user control <NUM>, or it may be part of the control logic, algorithms, software, etc. executed by the processor of the controller <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may receive signals from one or more sensors. For example, the sensor <NUM> may detect the position of the locking pin <NUM> and communicate this position to the controller <NUM>. A second sensor <NUM> may detect a position of the first actuator <NUM> and/or second actuator <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may command the actuator <NUM> to extend by a desired amount. The second sensor <NUM> may detect how much the actuator <NUM> has extended and communicate the same to the controller <NUM>. In this way, the controller <NUM> receives feedback from the sensor <NUM> and can further adjust its commands to either actuator.

The control system <NUM> may include a third sensor <NUM> which may be positioned on the docking system <NUM> and is able to detect an oncoming wheelchair <NUM>. The third sensor <NUM> may be a proximity sensor, Hall Effect sensor, or any other type of sensor. The third sensor <NUM> may detect a height or clearance between a bracket <NUM> on the approaching wheelchair <NUM> and communicate the same to the controller <NUM>. In turn, the controller <NUM> may actuate the first actuator to cause the docking system <NUM> to move upwards or downwards based on the detected clearance by the third sensor <NUM>. In doing so, the second sensor <NUM> can detect how far and in what direction the actuator <NUM> moves in order to determine if the actuator <NUM> responded correctly based on the instruction from the controller <NUM>. A fourth sensor (not shown) may detect the height of the coupler mechanism <NUM> relative to the vehicle floor <NUM> and communicate the same to the controller <NUM>. Thus, the controller <NUM> is able to receive signals indicative of an approaching wheelchair <NUM>, the desired height of the docking system <NUM> for receiving the wheelchair <NUM>, the actual height of the docking system <NUM>, and the responsiveness of the first actuator <NUM> for adjusting the height of the docking system <NUM>.

Additional control logic or algorithms may be performed by the control system <NUM> for docking the wheelchair <NUM> to the docking system <NUM>. One or more controllers may execute the control logic or algorithms. In a further embodiment, the wheelchair may include a controller or transmitter for communicating with the control system <NUM>. In this manner, the transmitter or controller on the wheelchair may alert the controller <NUM> or third sensor <NUM> of its approach.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, a different embodiment of a wheelchair docking system <NUM> is illustrated. For sake of brevity, features in the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG> that remain unchanged from the embodiments in <FIG> include the same reference number. For this reason, only the features that have changed between embodiments will be addressed.

In <FIG>, the wheelchair docking system <NUM> may include a lower protective shroud <NUM> and an upper protective shroud <NUM>. The lower protective shroud <NUM> may be formed of a plastic material formed by any known process such as injection molding. The upper protective shroud <NUM> may be formed of sheet metal or similar material. The pair of shrouds provide additional safety and aesthetic benefits to the wheelchair docking system <NUM>.

The docking system <NUM> may also include a plurality of tether assemblies for increased structural integrity and improvement. For instance, a rear tether assembly <NUM> is depicted in <FIG> and <FIG> having a rear load tether strap <NUM>. The rear load tether strap <NUM> may be coupled at one end to a pin <NUM> which is affixed to a mounting bracket <NUM>. The mounting bracket <NUM> may be welded or otherwise coupled to the lower portion <NUM> of the system <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the pin <NUM> may pivot or rotate about an axis within the bracket <NUM>.

The rear load tether strap <NUM> may be coupled at its opposite end to the top portion <NUM> of the system. The rear tether assembly <NUM> may be approximately centrally located as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Moreover, the top portion <NUM> may be a cast material for improved structural integrity.

The wheelchair docking system <NUM> may also include a pair of front tether assemblies. A first front tether assembly <NUM> may be located at a first front corner and a second front tether assembly <NUM> may be located at a second front corner. Each tether assembly may include a tether strap similar to that of the rear tether assembly <NUM>. For instance, the first front tether assembly <NUM> may include a tether strap <NUM> and the second front tether assembly <NUM> may include a tether strap <NUM>. Each tether strap <NUM>, <NUM> may be coupled at one end to the lower portion <NUM> and at the opposite end to the top portion <NUM>.

The docking system <NUM> may also include an upper and lower gussets. The lower gusset <NUM> is located at the front scissor assembly <NUM>. The upper gusset, which is not shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, is also located at the front scissor assembly <NUM>. Each gusset may be welded to the system. In particular, the lower gusset <NUM> may be welded to the lower portion <NUM>, whereas the upper gusset may be welded to the top portion <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A wheelchair docking system (<NUM>) for being coupled to a floor (<NUM>), comprising:
a frame (<NUM>) having an upper portion (<NUM>) and a lower portion (<NUM>), the upper portion (<NUM>) being movable relative to the lower portion (<NUM>) between a lowered position and a raised position;
a coupler mechanism (<NUM>) configured to engage a wheelchair (<NUM>) during a docking operation, the coupler mechanism (<NUM>) being positioned on the upper portion (<NUM>);
a first latching mechanism (<NUM>) configured to couple to a coupling device (<NUM>) on the wheelchair (<NUM>), the first latching mechanism being movable between a retracted position and a latching position, the first latching mechanism (<NUM>) spaced from the coupler mechanism (<NUM>);
a second latching mechanism for moving the upper portion of the frame (<NUM>) between its lowered position and raised position, the second latching mechanism configured to prevent a wheelchair from tilting to the left or right;
a first release mechanism (<NUM>) for operably controlling movement of the first latching mechanism (<NUM>); and
a second release mechanism (<NUM>) for operably controlling the second latching mechanism to move the upper portion from its lowered position to its raised position.