Power lift and transfer system and method

摘要

A power lift and transfer system and method are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the power lift and transfer system and method may be realized as a power lift and transfer system. The power lift and transfer system may move, stow, and carry a mobility device for a user with a disability, and then assist the person with the disability to transfer in and out of a vehicle. The power lift and transfer system may further transport the wheeled or other mobility device from a position in a rear or on top of the vehicle to passenger or driver areas of the vehicle, and then assist the user by means of a conveyor belt to transfer laterally into the automobile seat.

主权项

1. A docking assembly to secure a mobility device comprising:
a receiving element comprising a receiving slot with a shaped opening and a protrusion formed on an outside surface of the receiving element; a blade element configured to engage the shaped opening of the receiving slot of the receiving element such that when the blade element is engaged with the shaped opening of the receiving slot the blade element is prevented from rotating within the receiving slot; wherein the blade element comprises converging gradients on opposing edges thereof to facilitate engagement with the shaped opening of the receiving slot of the receiving element when the blade element and the shaped opening of the receiving slot of the receiving element are not aligned along either of two axes; and a latching mechanism coupled to the blade element and configured to perform a latching action and a unlatching action, wherein the latching action is performed when the blade element engages with the shaped opening of the receiving slot and the protrusion engages with the latching mechanism, thereby inducing a pivoting motion of the latching mechanism, such that when the blade element engages with the shaped opening of the receiving slot and the protrusion engages with the latching mechanism the blade element is prevented from disengaging from the receiving slot until the unlatching action is performed.