A mobility device attachment system
The mobility device attachment system with clamp members and actuators addresses the lack of universal standards in public transport by providing secure, efficient, and adaptable wheelchair securing, enhancing safety and convenience.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NOROOZI MOHAMMAD DARUNI
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
AI Technical Summary
Public transportation systems lack a universal standard for securing wheelchairs and mobility devices, leading to inefficiencies and safety risks due to the use of straps, which are time-consuming and may not provide the same level of security as custom-fitted solutions.
A mobility device attachment system featuring multiple clamp members and actuators, including hydraulic or pneumatic systems, that automatically engage and secure mobility device wheels, adapting to various dimensions and providing stable clamping through a controlled mechanism.
The system ensures secure and efficient attachment of mobility devices, reducing manual effort and enhancing safety by adapting to diverse wheelbases and widths, while allowing remote operation for ease of use.
Smart Images
Figure AU2025050019_23072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] A MOBILITY DEVICE ATTACHMENT SYSTEM
[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a mobility device attachment system. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for securing a mobility device such as a wheelchair in a vehicle. The patent specification describes this use but it is by way of example only and the invention is not limited to this use.
[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Wheelchairs and other mobility devices are essential for individuals with physical disabilities, providing them with the freedom to navigate their surroundings and participate in daily activities. To enable safe transportation, vehicles are often equipped with specialised attachment systems designed to secure wheelchairs and mobility devices during transit. These attachment solutions ensure that wheelchairs remain stable and immobile, minimising the risk of injury to the occupant and others in the vehicle in the event of sudden braking or collisions.
[0006] Custom attachment solutions are prevalent in private vehicles, where the attachment system is typically tailored to the specific wheelchair or mobility device used by the owner. These custom solutions provide a secure fit and are often integrated into the vehicle design, offering convenience and reliability. However, the landscape changes significantly when it comes to public transport and shared transportation services. Public transport systems, including buses, trains, and specialised taxis, must accommodate a diverse range of mobility devices, making universal attachment solutions challenging to implement.
[0007] In public transportation settings, the lack of a universal standard for securing wheelchairs and mobility devices creates a critical issue. Passengers rely on the transport service to provide safe and secure methods of attachment, but existing solutions often fall short of meeting these needs. To address this, many public transport systems resort to using straps to secure wheelchairs and mobility devices. Straps, while widely used, present several disadvantages. They can be timeconsuming to fasten and adjust, requiring significant effort from both the passenger and the transport operator. Additionally, straps may not provide the same level of security or stability as custom-fitted solutions, especially for wheelchairs with uniquedimensions or features. This can lead to a compromised experience for the passenger and may pose safety risks in cases of sudden vehicle movement or impact.
[0008] Specialised taxis and buses designed for passengers with mobility devices often adopt similar strap-based securing mechanisms. While these vehicles aim to provide accessibility, the reliance on straps can limit efficiency and convenience. Moreover, the repetitive use of straps can lead to wear and tear, reducing their effectiveness over time. Passengers may also experience discomfort or frustration due to the perceived lack of sophistication in the securing system.
[0009] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above mentioned problems with attachment systems for wheelchairs and mobility devices and / or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.
[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in an attachment system for a mobility device, the attachment system having
[0013] one or more first clamp members, each clamp member movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein each clamp member is adapted to engage with a wheel of the mobility device as it moves from the extended position to the retracted position; and
[0014] one or more first actuators to move the one or more first clamp members between the extended position and the retracted position.
[0015] Preferably the attachment system further includes one or more second clamp members, each second clamp member movable between an extended position and a retracted position. Preferably the one or more second clamp members are located opposite the one or more first clamp members. Preferably each second clamp member is adapted to engage with a wheel of the mobility device as it moves from the extended position to the retracted position. Preferably for the one or more second clamp members, the retracted position is towards the one or more first clamp members.
[0016] Preferably the attachment system further includes one or more third clamp members. Preferably each third clamp member is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. Preferably each third clamp member is adapted toengage with a wheel of the mobility device as it moves from the extended position to the retracted position. Preferably for the one or more third clamp members, the retracted position is towards the one or more fourth clamp members.
[0017] Preferably the attachment system further includes one or more fourth clamp members. Preferably the one or more fourth clamp members are located opposite the one or more third clamp members. Preferably each clamp member is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. Preferably each fourth clamp member is adapted to engage with a wheel of the mobility device as it moves from the extended position to the retracted position. Preferably for the one or more fourth clamp members, the retracted position is towards the one or more third clamp members.
[0018] Preferably the one or more first actuators are linear actuators. Preferably each of the one or more first actuators are fluid powered actuators. Preferably each of the one or more first actuators are hydraulic actuators. Preferably each of the one or more first actuators are hydraulic cylinders. In another embodiment, each of the one or more first actuators are pneumatic actuators. Preferably each of the one or more first actuators include a double-acting configuration to facilitate extension and retraction of the one or more first actuators. In one embodiment each of the one or more first actuators extend to move a corresponding one of the one or more first clamp members from the extended position to the retracted position. In another embodiment each of the one or more first actuators retracts to move a corresponding one of the one or more first clamp members from the extended position to the retracted position. In another embodiment, the one or more actuators include a motor, gear and rack assembly to move the one or more first clamp members between the extended position and the retracted position. In another embodiment the one or more actuators are linear electric actuators. Preferably each of the one or more first actuators are associated with a corresponding one of the one or more first clamp members. Preferably in use the one or more first actuators are located beneath a floor of the attachment system and the one or more first clamp members are located above a floor of the attachment system.
[0019] Preferably each of the first clamp members is movable between a stowed position and a raised position. Preferably in the extended position each of the first clamp members is in the stowed position. Preferably in the stowed position, each of the first clamp members is substantially parallel to a floor portion associated with the attachment system. Preferably in the stowed position, each of the first clamp membersis within 5 degrees to a floor portion associated with the attachment system. Preferably each of the first clamp member is associated with a cam mechanism. Preferably the cam mechanism moves the corresponding first clamp member from the stowed position to the raised position as the corresponding first clamp member moves from the extended position to the retracted position. Preferably the cam mechanism moves the corresponding first clamp member from the raised position to the stowed position as the corresponding first clamp member reaches the extended position. In another embodiment, each of the first clamp members is associated with an actuator which is adapted to move the corresponding first clamp member between the raised position and the stowed position. Preferably the actuator which adapted to move the corresponding first clamp member between the raised position and the stowed position is an electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic actuator.
[0020] Preferably the attachment system includes one or more second actuators adapted to move the one or more second clamp members between an extended position and a retracted position. In one embodiment each of the one or more second actuators extend to move a corresponding one of the one or more second clamp members from the extended position to the retracted position. In another embodiment each of the one or more second actuators retracts to move a corresponding one of the one or more second clamp members from the extended position to the retracted position. Preferably the one or more second actuators are linear actuators. Preferably each of the one or more second actuators are fluid powered actuators. Preferably each of the one or more second actuators are hydraulic actuators. Preferably each of the one or more second actuators are hydraulic cylinders. In another embodiment, each of the one or more second actuators are pneumatic actuators. Preferably each of the one or more second actuators include a double-acting configuration to facilitate extension and retraction of the one or more second actuators. In another embodiment, the one or more actuators include a motor, gear and rack assembly to move the one or more second clamp members between the extended position and the retracted position. In another embodiment the one or more actuators are linear electric actuators. Preferably each of the one or more second actuators are associated with a corresponding one of the one or more second clamp members. Preferably in use the one or more second actuators are located beneath a floor of the attachment system and the one or more second clamp members are located above a floor of the attachment system. In another embodiment the one or more second clamp membersare movable between an extended position and a retracted position by the one or more first actuators.
[0021] Preferably each of the second clamp members is movable between a stowed position and a raised position. Preferably in the extended position each of the second clamp members is in the stowed position. Preferably in the stowed position, each of the second clamp members is substantially parallel to a floor portion associated with the attachment system. Preferably in the stowed position, each of the second clamp members is within 5 degrees to a floor portion associated with the attachment system. Preferably each of the second clamp member is associated with a cam mechanism. Preferably the cam mechanism moves the corresponding second clamp member from the stowed position to the raised position as the corresponding second clamp member moves from the extended position to the retracted position. Preferably the cam mechanism moves the corresponding second clamp member from the raised position to the stowed position as the corresponding second clamp member reaches the extended position. In another embodiment, each of the second clamp members is associated with an actuator which is adapted to move the corresponding second clamp member between the raised position and the stowed position. Preferably the actuator which adapted to move the corresponding second clamp member between the raised position and the stowed position is an electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic actuator.
[0022] Preferably the attachment system includes one or more third actuators adapted to move the one or more third clamp members between an extended position and a retracted position. In one embodiment each of the one or more third actuators extend to move a corresponding one of the one or more third clamp members from the extended position to the retracted position. In another embodiment each of the one or more third actuators retracts to move a corresponding one of the one or more third clamp members from the extended position to the retracted position. Preferably the one or more third actuators are linear actuators. Preferably each of the one or more third actuators are fluid powered actuators. Preferably each of the one or more third actuators are hydraulic actuators. Preferably each of the one or more third actuators are hydraulic cylinders. In another embodiment, each of the one or more third actuators are pneumatic actuators. Preferably each of the one or more third actuators include a double-acting configuration to facilitate extension and retraction of the one or more third actuators. In another embodiment, the one or more actuators include a motor, gear and rack assembly to move the one or more third clamp members betweenthe extended position and the retracted position. In another embodiment the one or more actuators are linear electric actuators. Preferably each of the one or more third actuators are associated with a corresponding one of the one or more third clamp members. Preferably in use the one or more third actuators are located beneath a floor of the attachment system and the one or more third clamp members are located above a floor of the attachment system. In another embodiment the one or more third clamp members are movable between an extended position and a retracted position by the one or more first actuators.
[0023] Preferably each of the third clamp members is movable between a stowed position and a raised position. Preferably in the extended position each of the third clamp members is in the stowed position. Preferably in the stowed position, each of the third clamp members is substantially parallel to a floor portion associated with the attachment system. Preferably in the stowed position, each of the third clamp members is within 5 degrees to a floor portion associated with the attachment system. Preferably each of the third clamp member is associated with a cam mechanism. Preferably the cam mechanism moves the corresponding third clamp member from the stowed position to the raised position as the corresponding third clamp member moves from the extended position to the retracted position. Preferably the cam mechanism moves the corresponding third clamp member from the raised position to the stowed position as the corresponding third clamp member reaches the extended position. In another embodiment, each of the third clamp members is associated with an actuator which is adapted to move the corresponding third clamp member between the raised position and the stowed position. Preferably the actuator which adapted to move the corresponding third clamp member between the raised position and the stowed position is an electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic actuator.
[0024] Preferably the attachment system includes one or more fourth actuators adapted to move the one or more fourth clamp members between an extended position and a retracted position. In one embodiment each of the one or more fourth actuators extend to move a corresponding one of the one or more fourth clamp members from the extended position to the retracted position. In another embodiment each of the one or more fourth actuators retracts to move a corresponding one of the one or more fourth clamp members from the extended position to the retracted position. Preferably the one or more fourth actuators are linear actuators. Preferably each of the one or more fourth actuators are fluid powered actuators. Preferably eachof the one or more fourth actuators are hydraulic actuators. Preferably each of the one or more fourth actuators are hydraulic cylinders. In another embodiment, each of the one or more fourth actuators are pneumatic actuators. Preferably each of the one or more fourth actuators include a double-acting configuration to facilitate extension and retraction of the one or more fourth actuators. In another embodiment, the one or more actuators include a motor, gear and rack assembly to move the one or more fourth clamp members between the extended position and the retracted position. In another embodiment the one or more actuators are linear electric actuators. Preferably each of the one or more fourth actuators are associated with a corresponding one of the one or more fourth clamp members. Preferably in use the one or more fourth actuators are located beneath a floor of the attachment system and the one or more fourth clamp members are located above a floor of the attachment system. In another embodiment the one or more fourth clamp members are movable between an extended position and a retracted position by the one or more first actuators.
[0025] Preferably each of the fourth clamp members is movable between a stowed position and a raised position. Preferably in the extended position each of the fourth clamp members is in the stowed position. Preferably in the stowed position, each of the fourth clamp members is substantially parallel to a floor portion associated with the attachment system. Preferably in the stowed position, each of the fourth clamp members is within 5 degrees to a floor portion associated with the attachment system. Preferably each of the fourth clamp member is associated with a cam mechanism. Preferably the cam mechanism moves the corresponding fourth clamp member from the stowed position to the raised position as the corresponding fourth clamp member moves from the extended position to the retracted position. Preferably the cam mechanism moves the corresponding fourth clamp member from the raised position to the stowed position as the corresponding fourth clamp member reaches the extended position. In another embodiment, each of the fourth clamp members is associated with an actuator which is adapted to move the corresponding fourth clamp member between the raised position and the stowed position. Preferably the actuator which adapted to move the corresponding fourth clamp member between the raised position and the stowed position is an electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic actuator.Preferably the attachment system further includes one or more sensors to detect a mobility device. Preferably the one or more sensors detect when a mobility device is located on the attachment system.
[0026] Preferably the attachment system includes a wheel portion located between the first and second clamp members. Preferably the attachment system further includes one or more sensors to detect if a mobility device’s wheels are located on the wheel portion. Preferably the attachment system includes a second wheel portion located between the third and fourth clamp members. Preferably the attachment system further includes one or more sensors to detect if a mobility device’s wheels are located on the second wheel portion.
[0027] Preferably the attachment system further includes one or more sensors to detect if one of the one or more first clamp members are clamping a wheel of a mobility device. Preferably the one or more sensors are pressure sensors.
[0028] Preferably the attachment system further includes one or more sensors to detect if one of the one or more second clamp members are clamping a wheel of a mobility device. Preferably the one or more sensors are pressure sensors.
[0029] Preferably the attachment system further includes one or more sensors to detect if one of the one or more third clamp members are clamping a wheel of a mobility device. Preferably the one or more sensors are pressure sensors.
[0030] Preferably the attachment system further includes one or more sensors to detect if one of the one or more fourth clamp members are clamping a wheel of a mobility device. Preferably the one or more sensors are pressure sensors.
[0031] Preferably the attachment system is adapted to be attached to a floor of a vehicle. In another embodiment, the attachment system is integrated into a floor of a vehicle. In a further embodiment, the attachment system replaces a portion of a floor of a vehicle.
[0032] In one embodiment the attachment system includes one or more ramps to enable a mobility device to roll onto the wheel portions of the attachment device. Preferably if the attachment system is attached to a floor of a vehicle, the one or more ramps extend between the vehicle floor and the respective wheel portions of the attachment device.
[0033] Preferably the attachment system further includes a controller to control the movement of the one or more first clamp members. Preferably the controller controls the movement of the one or more second clamp members. Preferably the controllercontrols the movement of the one or more third clamp members. Preferably the controller controls the movement of the one or more fourth clamp members. Preferably the controller can be controlled using a remote.
[0034] In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a vehicle having an attachment system as described in this specification.
[0035] In one embodiment, the vehicle is a car. In another embodiment, the vehicle is a bus. In another embodiment the vehicle is a rail vehicle such as a train or tram. In another embodiment, the vehicle is a boat.
[0036] In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method of attaching a mobility device to a vehicle using an attachment system, including the steps of
[0037] locating the mobility device on the attachment system;
[0038] moving one or more first clamp members from an extended position to a retracted position to engage with one or more first wheels of the mobility device; and moving one or more second clamp members from an extended position to a retracted position to engage with the one or more first wheels of the mobility device.
[0039] Preferably the method further includes the step of moving one or more third clamp members from an extended position to a retracted position to engage with one or more second wheels of the mobility device.
[0040] Preferably the method further includes the step of moving one or more fourth clamp members from an extended position to a retracted position to engage with one or more second wheels of the mobility device.
[0041] Preferably the method further includes the step of moving the one or more first clamp members between a stowed position in which each of the first clamp members is substantially parallel to a floor portion associated with the attachment system and a raised position in which each of the one or more first clamp members are transverse to the floor portion associated with the attachment system.
[0042] Preferably the method further includes the step of moving the one or more second clamp members between a stowed position in which each of the second clamp members is substantially parallel to the floor portion associated with the attachment system and a raised position in which each of the one or more second clamp members are transverse to the floor portion associated with the attachment system.
[0043] Preferably the method further includes the step of moving the one or more third clamp members between a stowed position in which each of the third clamp membersis substantially parallel to the floor portion associated with the attachment system and a raised position in which each of the one or more third clamp members are transverse to the floor portion associated with the attachment system.
[0044] Preferably the method further includes the step of moving the one or more fourth clamp members between a stowed position in which each of the fourth clamp members is substantially parallel to the floor portion associated with the attachment system and a raised position in which each of the one or more fourth clamp members are transverse to the floor portion associated with the attachment system.
[0045] In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in an attachment system for a mobility device, the attachment system having
[0046] one or more first clamp members, each first clamp member movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein each clamp member is adapted to engage with a wheel of the mobility device as it moves from the extended position to the retracted position;
[0047] one or more first actuators to move the one or more first clamp members between the extended position and the retracted position;
[0048] one or more second clamp members, each second clamp member movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein each second clamp member is adapted to engage with a wheel of the mobility device as it moves from the extended position to the retracted position, and wherein the one or more second clamp members are located opposite the one or more first clamp members;
[0049] one or more second actuators to move the one or more second clamp members between the extended position and the retracted position;
[0050] one or more third clamp members, each third clamp member movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein each third clamp member is adapted to engage with a wheel of the mobility device as it moves from the extended position to the retracted position;
[0051] one or more third actuators to move the one or more third clamp members between the extended position and the retracted position;
[0052] one or more fourth clamp members, each fourth clamp member movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein each fourth clamp member is adapted to engage with a wheel of the mobility device as it moves from the extended position to the retracted position, and wherein the one or more fourth clamp members are located opposite the one or more third clamp members; andone or more fourth actuators to move the one or more fourth clamp members between the extended position and the retracted position.
[0053] Preferably the attachment system is a mobility device attachment system. The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.
[0054] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0055] In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:
[0056] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a sectioned part of an attachment system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0057] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the attachment system of Figure 1 ; and Figure 3 is a see through view of the attachment system of Figure 2.
[0058] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0059] With reference to Figures 1 to 3 there is shown a section of an attachment system 10 for a mobility device 100. The attachment system 10 includes a floor portion 12. The floor portion 12 is shown as partially transparent in Figure 1. A plurality of first clamp members 14 are located on the floor portion 12. A plurality of second clamp members 16 are located on the floor portion 12. The first and second clamp members 12,14 are shown in a retracted position. In the retracted position, the first and second clamp members 12,14 are adapted to clamp wheels 110,112 of the mobility device 100. A plurality of third clamp members 18 are located on the floor portion 12. A plurality of fourth clamp members 20 are located on the floor portion 12. The third and fourth clamp members 18,20 are shown in an extended position.
[0060] The first clamp members 14 are attached to first actuators 22. The first actuators 22 are adapted to move the first clamp members 14 between extended and retracted positions. The second clamp members 16 are attached to second actuators 24. The second actuators 24 are adapted to move the second clamp members 16 between extended and retracted positions. The third clamp members 18 are attached to third actuators 26. The third actuators 26 are adapted to move the third clamp members 18 between extended and retracted positions. The fourth clamp members20 are attached to fourth actuators 28. The fourth actuators 28 are adapted to move the fourth clamp members 20 between extended and retracted positions.
[0061] The floor portion 12 includes slots (not shown) to enable the connection between the plurality of clamp members 14,16,18,20 and the corresponding actuators 22,24,26,28. Figure 3 has been shown in transparent configuration to better show the connection between the clamp members 14,16,18,20 and the corresponding actuators 22,24,26,28. Numbering on Figure 3 has been omitted for clarity.
[0062] The attachment system 10 is attached to a floor 200 of a vehicle by attachment portions 30. The attachment portions 30 are height adjustable to enable the distance between the floor 200 of a vehicle and the floor portion 12 to be adjusted.
[0063] The space between the first clamp members 14 and the second clamp members 16 defines a first wheel portion 32. The space between the third clamp members 18 and the fourth clamp members 20 defines a second wheel portion 34. The attachment system 10 includes sensors (not shown) which detect when wheels 110,112,114 are located on the wheel portions 32,34.
[0064] The clamp members 14,16,18,20 are shown in a raised position. In the extended position, the clamp members 14,16,18,20 can be rotated to a stowed position (not shown) in which they are substantially parallel to the floor portion 12.
[0065] The attachment system 10 includes sensors (not shown) which detect when wheels 110,112,114 are clamped by the clamp members 14,16,18,20. The sensors are pressure sensors.
[0066] The attachment system 10 includes a controller (not shown) which controls the movement of the clamp members 14,16,18,20. A remote (not shown) can be used with the controller to control the movement of the clamp members 14,16,18,20.
[0067] ADVANTAGES
[0068] An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the attachment system of the present invention includes the ability to adapt to a variety of different wheelbases for mobility devices as well as wheel widths. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the attachment system includes that the attachment system clamps a mobility device, preventing movement during transit, thereby improving user safety. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the attachment system includes remotely operating the actuators to simplify the process of securing the mobility device, reducing manual effort.VARIATIONS
[0069] While the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.
[0070] Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.
Claims
CLAIMS1. An attachment system for a mobility device, the attachment system having one or more first clamp members, each clamp member movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein each clamp member is adapted to engage with a wheel of the mobility device as it moves from the extended position to the retracted position; andone or more first actuators to move the one or more first clamp members between the extended position and the retracted position.
2. An attachment system as claimed in claim 1 further including one or more second clamp members, each second clamp member movable between an extended position and a retracted position, each second clamp member adapted to engage with a wheel of the mobility device as it moves from the extended position to the retracted position.
3. An attachment system as claimed in claim 2 further including one or more second actuators adapted to move the one or more second clamp members between the extended position and the retracted position.
4. An attachment system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including one or more third clamp members, each third clamp member movable between an extended position and a retracted position, each third clamp member adapted to engage with a wheel of the mobility device as it moves from the extended position to the retracted position.
5. An attachment system as claimed in claim 4 further including one or more third actuators adapted to move the one or more third clamp members between the extended position and the retracted position.
6. An attachment system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including one or more fourth clamp members, each fourth clamp member movable between an extended position and a retracted position, each fourth clamp memberadapted to engage with a wheel of the mobility device as it moves from the extended position to the retracted position.
7. An attachment system as claimed in claim 6 further including one or more fourth actuators adapted to move the one or more fourth clamp members between the extended position and the retracted position.
8. An attachment system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the clamp members is movable between a stowed position and a raised position.
9. An attachment system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims when dependant on claim 2, further includinga wheel portion located between the first and second clamp members; and one or more sensors to detect if a mobility device’s wheels are located on the wheel portion.
10. An attachment system as claimed in claim any one of the preceding claims when dependant on claims 1 to 4, further includinga second wheel portion located between the third and fourth clamp members; andone or more sensors to detect if a mobility device’s wheels are located on the second wheel portion.
11. An attachment system as claimed in anyone of the proceeding claims, wherein each of the actuators include a double-acting configuration to facilitate extension and retraction of the actuators.
12. An attachment system as claimed in claim 9 or 10, further including one or more ramps to enable a mobility device to roll onto the wheel portions of the attachment device.
13. An attachment system as claimed in anyone of the proceeding claims, further including a controller to control the movement of the one or more clamp members.
14. An attachment system as claimed in anyone of the proceeding claims, further including one or more sensors to detect if one of the one or more clamp members are clamping a wheel of a mobility device.
15. An attachment system for a mobility device, the attachment system having one or more first clamp members, each first clamp member movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein each clamp member is adapted to engage with a wheel of the mobility device as it moves from the extended position to the retracted position;one or more first actuators to move the one or more first clamp members between the extended position and the retracted position;one or more second clamp members, each second clamp member movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein each second clamp member is adapted to engage with a wheel of the mobility device as it moves from the extended position to the retracted position, and wherein the one or more second clamp members are located opposite the one or more first clamp members;one or more second actuators to move the one or more second clamp members between the extended position and the retracted position;one or more third clamp members, each third clamp member movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein each third clamp member is adapted to engage with a wheel of the mobility device as it moves from the extended position to the retracted position;one or more third actuators to move the one or more third clamp members between the extended position and the retracted position;one or more fourth clamp members, each fourth clamp member movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein each fourth clamp member is adapted to engage with a wheel of the mobility device as it moves from the extended position to the retracted position, and wherein the one or more fourth clamp members are located opposite the one or more third clamp members; andone or more fourth actuators to move the one or more fourth clamp members between the extended position and the retracted position.
16. A vehicle including an attachment system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.
17. A method of attaching a mobility device to a vehicle using an attachment system, including the steps oflocating the mobility device on the attachment system;moving one or more first clamp members from an extended position to a retracted position to engage with one or more first wheels of the mobility device; and moving one or more second clamp members from an extended position to a retracted position to engage with the one or more first wheels of the mobility device.
18. A method as claimed in claim 17, further including the step of moving one or more third clamp members from an extended position to a retracted position to engage with one or more second wheels of the mobility device.
19. A method as claimed in claim 18, further includes the step of moving one or more fourth clamp members from an extended position to a retracted position to engage with the one or more second wheels of the mobility device.
20. A method as claimed in claim 19, further including the steps of:moving the one or more first clamp members between a stowed position in which each of the first clamp members is substantially parallel to a floor portion associated with the attachment system and a raised position in which each of the one or more first clamp members are transverse to the floor portion associated with the attachment system;moving the one or more second clamp members between a stowed position in which each of the second clamp members is substantially parallel to the floor portion associated with the attachment system and a raised position in which each of the one or more second clamp members are transverse to the floor portion associated with the attachment system;moving the one or more third clamp members between a stowed position in which each of the third clamp members is substantially parallel to the floor portion associated with the attachment system and a raised position in which each of the oneor more third clamp members are transverse to the floor portion associated with the attachment system; andmoving the one or more fourth clamp members between a stowed position in which each of the fourth clamp members is substantially parallel to the floor portion associated with the attachment system and a raised position in which each of the one or more fourth clamp members are transverse to the floor portion associated with the attachment system.