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

In the present automatic strap retracting mechanism for wheel restraint devices, the wheel restraint device comprises a shell, and a reel is rotatably connected inside the shell. A ratchet is fixed to the reel, and the tooth surface of the ratchet consists of a locating surface and a guiding surface. A locking piece is also hinged to the shell, and the locking piece has a pawl. The automatic strap retracting mechanism comprises a coil spring which is connected to the reel and can drive the reel to rotate in the direction of strap retracting and wind in and retract the fastening strap. The locking piece also comprises a locking rod. When the pawl detaches from the locating surface and the fastening strap is pulled out, the locking piece can swing to allow the locking rod to abut on the guiding surface.

In the present automatic strap retracting mechanism for wheel restraint devices, the wheel restraint device comprises a shell, and a reel is rotatably connected inside the shell. A ratchet is fixed to the reel, and the tooth surface of the ratchet consists of a locating surface and a guiding surface. A locking piece is also hinged to the shell, and the locking piece has a pawl. The automatic strap retracting mechanism comprises a coil spring which is connected to the reel and can drive the reel to rotate in the direction of strap retracting and wind in and retract the fastening strap. The locking piece also comprises a locking rod. When the pawl detaches from the locating surface and the fastening strap is pulled out, the locking piece can swing to allow the locking rod to abut on the guiding surface.

A safety restraint adapted for securing a personal mobility vehicle in a transport vehicle, against movement in a direction opposite to the direction of normal motion of the transport vehicle, the safety restraint comprising: a retractor comprising a spool on which an elongate piece of material is wound; the elongate material being configured to be attached at one end to the personal mobility vehicle; a slider bar adapted to be fixed to the transport vehicle; and wherein the retractor is mounted on the slider bar, in a manner which allows the retractor to slide in the direction of normal motion of the transport vehicle, and prevents the retractor moving in the opposite direction on the slider bar.

A safety restraint adapted for securing a personal mobility vehicle in a transport vehicle, against movement in a direction opposite to the direction of normal motion of the transport vehicle, the safety restraint comprising: a retractor comprising a spool on which an elongate piece of material is wound; the elongate material being configured to be attached at one end to the personal mobility vehicle; a slider bar adapted to be fixed to the transport vehicle; and wherein the retractor is mounted on the slider bar, in a manner which allows the retractor to slide in the direction of normal motion of the transport vehicle, and prevents the retractor moving in the opposite direction on the slider bar.

A support beam for stabilizing a motorcycle on the wheel lift of a tow truck is provided. The support beam includes a mount that positions the beam horizontally on a rear portion of the tow truck at a level generally equal to the level of the motorcycle's handlebars when the motorcycle is resting on the wheel lift. The beam includes a first end attachable to the motorcycle's left handlebar using a left strap, and a second end attachable to the motorcycle's right handlebar using a right strap. With the motorcycle resting on the tow truck's wheel lift, and the beam configured to provide support to the motorcycle's handlebars, the motorcycle is secured to the wheel lift, stabilized, and able to be towed. In some embodiments, the mount is designed to be received into a wheel lift cable guide through-hole thereby securing the beam to the wheel lift.

A vehicle tie down device includes a base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, the base plate defining at least two base plate bores therethrough, and a first bolt extending through a first of the base plate bores and a second bolt extending through a second of the base plate bores. The device further includes a first arm coupled to a lower end of the first bolt and a second arm coupled to a lower end of the second bolt, the arms configured to engage a T-slot, and a guide member extending from the lower surface of the base plate, the guide member disposed between the base plate bores. The device further includes a flange extending away from and substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the base plate, the flange configured to support a tow hook.

A vehicle tie down device includes a base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, the base plate defining at least two base plate bores therethrough, and a first bolt extending through a first of the base plate bores and a second bolt extending through a second of the base plate bores. The device further includes a first arm coupled to a lower end of the first bolt and a second arm coupled to a lower end of the second bolt, the arms configured to engage a T-slot, and a guide member extending from the lower surface of the base plate, the guide member disposed between the base plate bores. The device further includes a flange extending away from and substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the base plate, the flange configured to support a tow hook.

The invention relates to a coupler for coupling a substantially elongated belt portion, comprising a housing, comprising a first beam, extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the belt portions, for guiding a belt portion, a connector, located on a distance from the first beam, at least two sidewalls, which extend between the first beam and the connector, which sidewalls are located on opposite ends of the first beam, wherein at least a part of at least one side wall is pivotable between at least two positions: a closed position wherein the pivotable sidewall portion engages the first beam to limit a belt passage between the side walls, the connector and the first beam, and an opened position wherein the pivotable sidewall portion is located on a distance of the first beam to allow passage of a belt potion between the pivotable sidewall portion and the first beam.