MXPA98003518A - Wheelchair restraint system for a transportation vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wheelchair restraint system for a mass transport vehicle having a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the vehicle having a securing area for a wheelchair that includes at least one backrest seat; the system: a rear barrier carried in a rear portion of the securing area and generally arranged transverse to the vehicle longitudinal axis, a rear wheelchair securing assembly, carrying the barrier, to anchor the wheelchair on the barrier, having the rear wheelchair attaching assembly at least two rear fastening elements to be fixed in two separate locations to the wheelchair, a personal safety belt assembly to secure an occupant sitting in the wheelchair, to the chair of wheels in the assurance area, a front dividing wall that extends generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle, in a front portion of the securing area, a wheelchair front attachment set, to anchor the wheelchair in the partition, having the wheelchair front attachment set at least two fasteners front to fix in two separate locations of the wheelchair and the partition, and including the rear wheelchair securing assembly at least one rear retractor mechanism, the rear attachment elements comprising a first rear fastening belt to be fixed on a first rear location of the wheelchair and a second rear seat belt to be fixed at a second location of the wheelchair separated from the first location, and a coupling for coupling the first and second belts to the rear retractor mechanism of the rear mounting assembly of a wheelchair, to exert a force on the wheelchair, in a in the first direction along the axis of the vehicle, and including the wheelchair front attachment assembly at least one retractor mechanism for exerting a force on the wheelchair in a second direction to the first direction, so that the chair of wheels is secured between the barrier and the dividing wall by the rear and front mounting brackets of the wheelchair

Description

WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR A TRANSPORT VEHICLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a wheelchair restraint system for securing a wheelchair and occupant in a mass transport vehicle such as a truck, train, and the like, and more particularly, with a power steering system. restriction of three-point wheelchair in which the wheelchair is effectively restricted, which can be easily stored out of the way when not in use. Until now, wheelchair restraint systems have been used in transport vehicles using various forms of bars, bands, anchors and staples and clamps. However, the problem arises that the implementation of these systems is often laborious and time consuming. Typically, the truck driver must fold a removable seat, remove bands from underneath storage, anchor the bands in floor slots and secure the bands to the wheelchair. After the occupant of the wheelchair is transported, the driver of the truck must then stop and remove the bands, anchors and store the bands.

Frequently, the bands are left out and form a danger to fall. typically, the anchor slots and floor wells used to anchor the band also present travel and fall hazards. Other fixation systems for wheelchairs have been proposed in the prior art, such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 4,103,394, wherein a rear barrier is provided to which a lap belt for an occupant of a lap can be attached. A wheelchair and a pivotal restraining arm is pivotally fixed to the lower portion of a recoil seat that can be pivoted to a cantilevered position in front of the wheelchair occupant to restrain the wheelchair. Other diverse forms of wheelchair fixation systems are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,344,265; 4,455,046; and 4,093,303 using various forms of levers, clamps, bars, tie rods and the like. however, these systems leave much to be desired to provide a simple restraint system to effectively secure a wheelchair and its occupant where the fastening system can be easily deployed to be used and stored to prevent a hazard to a regular passenger when it is not In use .

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a wheelchair restraint system for a transport vehicle that is easy to deploy, however, provides a highly effective fixation of the wheelchair. Another object of the present invention is * provide a wheelchair restraint system that can be deployed quickly and does not require the presence of structures, intrusion stops and other hazards in the fixation area when the system is not displayed. Another object of the present invention is to provide a wheelchair system that is restricted by a three-point anchoring system, * to effectively prevent rollover of the wheelchair and its occupant, however, provide a rapidly deployable system whose elements can be easily stored when not in use for a non-hazardous fixing area. Still another object of the invention is providing a simple wheelchair restraint system, which utilizes a system of retractable belt or belt assemblies to secure the wheelchair in a quick and easy manner. Still another important object of this * invention is to provide a three-point wheelchair restraint system, wherein the anchor point structures can be stored out of sight when not in use, to provide a safe and easy-to-use environment.

»COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The objectives are achieved in accordance with the present invention by providing a wheelchair restraint system for a vehicle of mass transport having a fixation area for a wheelchair that includes at least one recoil seat. The system comprises a barrier carried in a rear portion of the fixing area, generally arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A rear wheelchair attachment set is carried by the rear barrier to anchor the wheelchair to the barrier. The wheelchair rear attachment set has at least two rear fasteners for fixing in two locations spaced to the wheelchair. A personal safety belt assembly secures an occupant sitting in the wheelchair to the wheelchair in the attachment area. A front partition extends generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle in a front portion of the fixing area; and a - set Front wheelchair fixation anchors the wheelchair to the partition. The front wheelchair fastening assembly has at least two front fastening elements for attachment to two spaced locations of the wheelchair and the partition. The rear wheelchair attaching assembly includes at least one retractor mechanism for exerting an adjustable force on the wheelchair in a first direction along the axis of the vehicle, and the front wheel attaching assembly includes at least a 0 retractor mechanism for exerting an adjustable force on the wheelchair in a second direction opposite to the first direction so that the wheelchair is secured between the barrier and the partition by the rear and front attachment sets of the wheelchair 5 . Advantageously, the system includes a coupling having a rear connector, and first and second fastening elements of the rear wheelchair fastening assembly are fixed to the coupling. The retraction mechanism of the rear wheelchair attachment assembly is connected to the rear connector of the coupling. Preferably, the rear wheelchair retractor mechanism includes a retractable rear belt having a retracted and retracted configuration, a release for releasing the belt from the retracted and retracted configurations, and a crank for manually tightening the belt when tensioned on the belt. retired configuration. The fastening elements of the rear wheelchair fastening assembly include a first rear fastening belt for attachment to a first rear location of the wheelchair and a second rear fastening belt for attachment to a second rear location of the wheelchair spaced apart of the first location, and the coupling engages the first and second belts to the rear retractable belt or belt. Preferably, the coupling comprises a plate having a central fixation for attachment to the rear retraction belt or belt, and the first and second rear securing belts being fixed to the plate at equally spaced locations from distances from the central fastener. Advantageously, the front wheel fastening assembly comprising a first front fastening belt for attachment to a first front location of the wheelchair, a second front fastening belt for attachment to a second front location of the wheelchair spaced from the first front location. A first and second retractor mechanism is provided to retract the respective first and second belts in a direction to place a tension force on the first and second front belts, and the retractor mechanisms include a manual crank to tighten the tensioned belts first and second. second. The first and second rear fastening belts diverge outwardly from the respective first and second wheelchair locations to the anchor locations in the partition to effectively prevent lateral rollover. Preferably, the first and second front fastening belts are also tilted down from the wheelchair to the front partition. The fixing belts diverge outwardly at an angle on a scale of approximately 0 to 15 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the preferred value being an angle of about 5 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle during a wheelchair. conventional that has a wheel spacing of 50.80 cms. In an advantageous aspect of the invention, the front partition includes an extensible anchoring member extending transverse relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the anchoring member being extendable between a stored position in which the * Anchoring member is stored with the septum and an unfolded position wherein the anchoring member is extended from the septum. A first retractor mechanism is carried by the extendable anchoring member, and a second retractor mechanism carried by the septum. Preferably, the partition comprises a partition housing, and the anchoring member is positioned completely within the partition housing in the stored area. The partition housing includes an opening, and an extendable anchor member moves through the opening when moving between the stored and extended positions. A movable closure is provided to close the opening of the partition, and the closure forms a path for guiding movement of the anchoring member between the stored and extended positions. when the closure is opened. The personal safety band assembly comprises a lap belt near the rear barrier, and a shoulder belt attachable to the lap belt. An adjustable ring lock supports the shoulder belt wherein the ring lock is adjustable to adjust an upper position of the shoulder belt in a vertical direction to accommodate wheelchair occupants of different heights.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The construction designed to carry out the invention will be described below, along with other features thereof. The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and with reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown, and wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a three-point wheelchair restraint system in accordance with the present invention, which secures a wheelchair and occupant; Figure 2 is a perspective view of Figure 1, with the wheelchair and occupant removed; Figure 3 is a top plan view of a three-point wheelchair restraint system, securing a wheelchair in accordance with the present invention; Figure 4 is a side view of a three-point wheelchair restraint system, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 5 is a rear view of a three-point wheelchair restraint system in accordance with the present invention; Figure 6 is a top plan view of a front partition with a slidable anchoring member shown in an unfolded position; Figure 7 is a top plan view of the front partition of Figure 6 with the slidable anchor in a stored position; and Figure 7A is a front view with part cut away of Figure 7.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED MODALITY Referring now to the drawings, the invention will be described in greater detail. As best seen in Figure 1, a securing area of a mass transport vehicle, generally at 10, is illustrated which includes an area for regular passenger seating or a passenger in a wheelchair. For this purpose, at least one setback seat 12 is provided which can be positioned between a horizontal seating position and a retracted position as shown in Figure 2. A wheelchair 14 can be secured in the securing area with the seat 12 in the retracted position as can best be seen in Figure 1. The securing area includes a rear barrier, designated ~ ^^ pr generally as 16, which includes a housing 18 supported on legs 20 fixed with bolts to the floor HA of the vehicle 11. A retractable belt 22 is housed within the barrier housing 18 and extends through a groove 18a terminating at one end of the housing 18. that a hook 24 is secured. A belt / crank retraction mechanism 26 applies a retraction force to the belt 22 and a manual crank 28 is provided to tighten a retracted belt, as will be explained more fully below. A release button 26a allows the belt 22 to assume a retracted or retracted configuration in a conventional manner. The personal safety belt assembly, generally designated 30, is provided by a retractable first lap belt 32 and a second retractable lap belt 34 which can be pulled under tension and clamped around the wheelchair occupant. The personal belt assembly is completed by a shoulder belt 36 having a retraction mechanism 38, and an adjustable locking band 40 that has a ring 42 attached to the shoulder belt. The shoulder belt includes a female fastener 36a which is fastened to a male fastener 45 carried in the lap belt 32. A female fastener 32a is carried in the seat belt 32 which is fastened with a fastener 34a ^ 9 > male in the seat belt 34. In this way, with the lap belt fastened around the wheelchair occupant, the shoulder belt 36 can be attached to the lap belt for personal safety. When not in use, the shoulder belt 36 can be secured by appropriate means to a wall 16a of the vehicle. In * use, the lap belt 34 can be temporarily fixed at 12a to the underside of the retractable seat 12 by appropriate elements such as sailboat as a wheelchair is being secured. A wheelchair rear attachment assembly, generally designated C, is provided to secure the back of the wheelchair 14 to the barrier B, as best seen in Figure 3. The front attachment set D of wheelchair includes a first back fastening strip 40 fixed to a first rear location 42 of the wheelchair and a second fastening strip 44 fixed to a second location 46 spaced from the wheelchair. Locations 42 and 46 are illustrated as frame legs verticals of the wheelchair, but can be any other appropriate portion. A coupling 48 is provided in the form of a single-axle connector for securing the bands 44 and 42 to the retractable belt 22 for tensioning to complete the rear wheelchair attaching assembly. The band 40 includes a first band 40a attached to the coupling of a single shaft carrying a female buckle 40b; and a second band 40c fixed at 40d to the band 40 which wraps around the frame 42 and has a male buckle 40e which coincides with the female buckle member 40b. Likewise, the band 44 includes a first belt 44a fixed to the coupling 48 of a single shaft having a female buckle member 44; and a second band 44c fixed at 44d to the band 44a which wraps around the frame 46 and includes a male buckle 44e which is secured with the female buckle member 44b. The retractable band 22 can be removed by actuating the release button 26a of the retraction mechanism 26 and fastening to the coupling of a single shaft. Once the engagement of a single tree is secured to the wheelchair, the button can be depressed again after which the belt 22 is retracted under the spring force of the retraction mechanism 26. The complete rear wheelchair attaching assembly can then be tightened by manually rotating the hand crank 28 and tightening the belts 22, 40 and 44. A front anchor wall, designated generally as D, is carried near the front portion of the area of securing to secure the front of the wheelchair. A wheelchair front fastening assembly, generally designated as E, is found to fix the wheelchair to the physical partition. It will be noted at this point, that the barrier B and the front anchoring partition D extend away from the side wall 16a of the vehicle transversely to the longitudinal axis 50 of the vehicle 11. As can best be seen in figures 1, 3, and 6 7A, the front anchor partition D includes a housing 52 with appropriate reinforcement in which a slidable anchor 54 is enclosed and stored. The slidable anchor 54 has an unfolded position (Figure 6) and a stored position (Figure 7). In the stored positionI. , a retractable crank / belt assembly, generally designated 56, is stored away. In the deployed position of Figure 6, the belt / crank assembly 56 includes a retractable fastening belt 58 that is anchored to the wheelchair, as best seen in Figure 1. When the belt / crank assembly is stored , it can be seen that the anchor 54 and the belt / crank assembly 56 are clearly stored away from a position in which a regular passenger can move on the structure. A closing door 60 is provided for the housing 52 which may be # closed when the anchor mechanism and sliding belt are stored (figures 2 and 7). The coupling plate 48 and the associated belts, and the front belts can also be easily stored and deployed from the partition housing 52. The door also provides a path for the sliding anchor when deployed (Figures 1 and 6). There is also a second crank / belt mechanism 62 carried by the partition housing 52 where the crank / belt mechanism includes a retractable securing belt 64 for securing to a second front location of the wheelchair. Again, as can best be seen in Figure 3, the front belt 58 includes a first band 58a having a female buckle 58b and a second band 58c secured as a piece to the web 58a at a sewing point 58d. The second band 58c surrounds a frame portion 66 of the wheelchair and includes a male buckle member 58e that is secured with the female buckle 58b. Also, the front belt 64 includes a first band 64a having a female buckle 64b and a second band 64c sewn to the first band 64a at 64d. The second band 64c includes a pawl buckle element 64e that is fastened to the female buckle 64b after wrapping around the 25-wheel chair frame 68. It will be emphasized in relation to Figure 3 that the belts 58 and 64 diverge outwardly from their attachment location on the front of the wheelchair 14 to the respective crank / belt mechanisms 56 and 62. It has been found in accordance with the invention that the divergences of these belts effectively prevent the wheelchair from rolling over with an occupant when the wheelchair is secured between the rear barrier and the front anchor. It will also be noted that the front bands 58 and 64 are inclined down from the wheelchair 14 to the anchoring locations at 56 and 62. This has also been found to be advantageous for securing the wheelchair and the occupant. The angle between the seat belts and the vehicle axle may vary depending on the width and size of the wheelchair. For example, it has been found that the belt anchor line 58 will vary from 0 to 15 degrees with respect to the vehicle axis as will the belt anchor line 64. However, in a limited number of chair applications the Wide wheels, the belt anchor line 58 can converge with respect to the anchor location 56 so that the scale for the belt 58 can be -0 to -15 degrees in the case of wide wheelchair applications. However, since you want the ^ p wheelchair is kept as close as possible to the underside of the backrest seat 12, the belt 64 next to the backrest seat will not normally be subjected to a negative angle but will always vary between 0 and 15 degrees with respect to the axis of the vehicle . Even when wheelchairs vary greatly in their * ^ 9- sizes and configuration, for a conventional manual wheelchair that has a side wheel spacing of 50.80 centimeters, the preferred angle has been found to be approximately 5 degrees for the belt 64 and 5 degrees for belt 58. Any retraction mechanisms or appropriate operator devices may be used on 26, 56, and 62. The appropriate sets of retractors and belt are available from Indiana Mills Corporation of Indianapolis, Indiana. The belt 22 and the retractor 26 may be an appropriate crank / belt mechanism assembly available as No. 55080089. The personal securing belt assembly may be any three seat belt. appropriate points, lap belt and retractor, available as No. 55080048. Although the rear wheelchair fastening assembly C is illustrated as including a single retractable belt, two retractable belts connected directly to the wheelchair can be used. side frames of the wheelchair without a coupling plate. Likewise, manual retractor cranks, but with automatic retractors, may not be needed in both the front and rear assemblies, but may only be needed in one to secure the wheelchair between them. In use, when a wheelchair passenger is to be taken to the vehicle, the driver / operator will raise the recoil seat 12 and hold it in the ascended position. The driver / operator will then remove the lap side belt 34, and pull the belt outward to secure it to the underside of the recoil seat 12 by means of the sailboat 12a. The driver / operator will then place the wheelchair in the securing area and fix the rear wheelchair attachment set C to the wheelchair. The operator driver then presses the release button 26a on the rear wheelchair crank / belt mechanism 26 and pulls enough frame 22 out to secure it to the coupling plate 48. The driver / operator will then move the wheelchair as close as possible to the rear barrier and press the release button again to remove any loose belt from the rear belt 22. The driver / operator will then attach the front wheelchair attachment assembly C to the wheelchair by removing the attachment belt 64 closest to the wall, pressing the release button and pulling out enough belt to secure it to the front limb of the wheelchair. the wheelchair. The release button will then be pressed again to eliminate any loose weft and the tension of the belt can be tightened by turning the handle 62a of the retraction mechanism 62. Next, the sliding anchor 54 extends from the septum and the fastening belt 58 is removes and attaches to the wheelchair, after which the release button is pressed to pull out any loose weft and the belt is tightened by manual crank 56a. The final tension can then be applied to the system by turning the crank 28 on the back barrier. The passenger's lap belt is then secured by removing the sidewall belt from the sailboat attachment and unrolling both lap belts and securing at the waist. The shoulder belt 36 is then separated from the wall and fixed to the lap belt. This belt is a belt of inertia that allows the movement of the body. The lap belt does not tighten to an awkward position because the wheelchair attachment belts have already been installed in the first place. In this way, it can be seen that a highly effective three-point restraint system can be had for a wheelchair and occupant according to the invention, wherein a three-point anchor of the wheelchair is achieved by means of belts 22, 58 and 64 anchoring. This three-point restraint system provides effective securing of the wheelchair to restrain the wheelchair from tipping laterally or twisting back and forth during vehicle movement. The system minimizes the amount of belts needed to secure a wheelchair occupant, and eliminates floor tracks and floor cavities. Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described using specific terms, this description is for illustrative purposes only, and it should be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.

Claims (29)

CLAIMS:

1. - A wheelchair restraint system for a mass transport vehicle having a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the vehicle having a securing area for a wheelchair that % includes at least one recoil seat, the system comprising: a barrier carried in a posterior portion of the securing area and generally disposed 10 transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis; a rear wheelchair securing assembly carried by the rear barrier to anchor the wheelchair to the barrier; a set of wheelchair securing 15 rear that has at least two securing elements for attachment to two locations spaced to the wheelchair; a set of personal safety belt to secure an occupant sitting in the wheelchair 20 to the wheelchair in the securing area; a front partition extending generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis at a front portion of the securing area; a set of chair front fastening 25 of wheels to anchor the wheelchair to the partition; The front wheelchair securing assembly having at least two front securing elements for attachment to two spaced locations of the wheelchair and the partition; and the rear wheelchair securing assembly including at least one retractor mechanism for exerting a force on the wheelchair in a first direction along the axis of the vehicle, and the front wheel securing assembly including at least one mechanism retractor to exercise a 10 force on the wheelchair in a second direction opposite to the first direction, so that the wheelchair is secured between the barrier and the partition by the chair securing sets of 9? rear and front wheels.

2. The system of claim 1, including a coupling having a rear connector, the first and second securing elements of the wheelchair rear securing assembly being fixed to the coupling, and the retraction mechanism of the wheelchair. 20 rear wheelchair securing assembly being connected to the rear connector of the coupling.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the rear wheelchair retractor mechanism includes a rear retractable belt having a retracted and retracted configuration; a release to release the belt of the retracted and withdrawn configurations; and a crank to manually tighten the belt when it tightens in the withdrawn configuration.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the securing elements of the rear wheelchair securing assembly include a first rear securing belt for attachment to a first rear location of the wheelchair and a 10 second rear belt for attachment to a second rear location of the wheelchair spaced from the first location, and one coupling for attaching the first and second belts to the rear retractable belt.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the coupling comprises a plate having a central fixation for securing to the rear retraction belt, and the first and second rear securing belts being fixed to the plate at the rear. 20 locations at equally spaced distances from the central fixation.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the front wheel securing assembly comprises a first front attachment belt for 25 fastening to a first forward location of the wheelchair, a second forward fastening belt for attachment to a second forward location of the wheelchair spaced from the first forward location, a first and a second retraction mechanism to retract the belts first and second respective in * one direction to place a tension force on the first and second front belts, and the retractor mechanisms including a manual crank to tighten the first and second belts 10 stressed.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein at least one of the first and second rear securing belts defines an anchor line extending from a respective one of the locations of 15 first and second wheelchair to a respective one of the anchoring locations in the partition at a horizontal angle with respect to the axis of the vehicle to effectively prevent lateral rollover.

8. The system of claim 7, in 20 where the first and second front safety belts are tilted down from the wheelchair to the front partition.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the anchoring line of the first belt of The securing extends to an angle on a scale of 0 to 15 degrees and the anchoring line of the second fixation diverges towards the partition at an angle on a scale of about 0 to 15 degrees.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the anchoring line of the first securing belt diverges outwardly at an angle of approximately 5 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and the line of Anchoring of the second securing belt diverges at an angle of about 5 degrees.

11. The system of claim 6, wherein the front anchoring partition includes an extensible anchoring member extending transverse relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the anchoring member being extendable between a stored position and wherein the anchoring member is stored with the partition and an unfolded position wherein the anchoring member is extended from the septum, the first retractor mechanism carried by the extendable anchoring member, and the second retractor mechanism carried by the septum.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the partition comprises a partition housing, and the anchoring member being positioned within the partition housing in the stored position.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the partition housing includes an opening, the extendable anchoring member being movable through the opening as it moves between the stored and extended positions.

14. The system of claim 13, including a movable closure for closing the opening of the partition, the closure having an open and a closed position, and the closure forming a path for guiding movement of the anchoring member between the stored positions. and extended.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the personal safety band assembly comprises a lap belt set near the rear barrier, and a shoulder belt fixed to the lap belt.

16. The system of claim 15, which includes an adjustable ring lock to support the shoulder belt, the ring lock being adjustable to adjust an upper position of the shoulder belt in a vertical direction to accommodate the chair occupants of wheels of different heights.

17. A wheelchair restraint system for a mass transport vehicle having a longitudinal vehicle axle, the vehicle having a securing area for a wheelchair that includes at least one recoil seat, the system comprising : a barrier carried in a rear portion of the securing area and disposed generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle; a rear wheelchair securing set carried by the rear barrier for securing the wheelchair and anchoring the chair 1U of wheels to the barrier in a first back anchoring location; a personal safety belt assembly to secure an occupant seated in a wheelchair to the wheelchair in the securing area; 1-D a front partition extending generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis at a front portion of the securing area; a front wheelchair securing set for anchoring the wheelchair in a X) first and second frontal anchoring location, spaced on the septum; and the rear wheelchair securing assembly that includes at least one retractor mechanism for exerting an adjustable force on the wheelchair in a first direction along the vehicle axis; and the front wheel securing assembly including at least one retractor mechanism for exerting an adjustable force on the wheelchair in a second direction opposite to the first direction so that the wheelchair is secured by the first rear anchor location and the first and second front anchoring locations between the barrier and the septum by the securing sets of 10 rear and front wheelchairs in an effective restraint system with three anchor points.

18. The system of claim 17, including a coupling having a rear connector, the rear wheelchair assembly including first and 15 second securing elements attached to the coupling for securing to the wheelchair; and the retraction mechanism of the rear wheelchair securing assembly being connected to the rear connector of the coupling.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the front wheel securing assembly comprising a first securing belt for attachment to the first anchoring location, the second frontal securing belt for securing the Second anchoring location of the wheelchair spaced from the first anchoring location, wherein at least one of the first and second rear securing belts diverge outwardly from the respective first and second wheelchair locations to the locations of anchoring in the partition to effectively prevent lateral tipping.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the first and second front fastening belts are inclined downwardly from the wheelchair to the front partition.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the first securing belt extends at an angle on a scale from 0 to ± 15 degrees and the second securing belt diverges toward the partition at an angle on a scale of approximately 0. at 15 degrees.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein the first securing belt diverges outwardly at an angle of approximately 5 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and the second securing belt diverges at an angle of about 5 degrees. .

23. The system of claim 19, wherein the front partition includes an extendable anchoring member extending transverse relative to the * longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the anchoring member being extendable between a stored position in which the anchoring member is stored with the septum and an unfolded position wherein the anchoring member is extended from the septum, and a first retractor mechanism carried by the extensible anchoring member, and a second retractor mechanism carried by the partition. 24.- A wheelchair restraint system for a mass transport vehicle that has a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the vehicle having a 10 securing area for a wheelchair that includes at least one recoil seat, the system comprising: a barrier carried in a rear portion of the securing area and generally disposed 15 transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle; a rear wheelchair attachment set carried by the rear barrier to anchor the wheelchair to the barrier; a set of personal safety belt 20 to secure an occupant seated in the wheelchair to the wheelchair in the securing area; a front partition extending generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis in a forward portion of the securing area; 25 a front wheelchair attachment assembly for anchoring the wheelchair to the partition; the front partition including an extendable anchoring member extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the anchoring member being extendable between a stored position in which the anchoring member is stored in a non-operating position and a deployed position in wherein the anchoring member is extended from the septum; and the front chair attachment assembly securing the wheelchair to a first anchoring location in the partition and a second anchoring location in the extendable anchoring member when the anchoring member is in the unfolded position. 25. The system of claim 24, wherein the partition comprises a partition housing, and the anchoring member is positioned within the partition housing in the stored position. 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the partition housing includes an opening, the extendable anchoring member being movable through the opening as it moves between the stored and extended positions. 27. The system of claim 26, which includes a movable closure for closing the opening of the partition, the closure having an open and closed position, and the closure forming a path for guiding the movement of the anchoring member between the stored positions and extended. 28. The system of claim 24, wherein the front wheelchair attachment assembly includes a first and second front attachment belts that diverge outwardly from the wheelchair to the respective first and second anchor locations on the wheelchair. septum, to effectively prevent the lateral tipping. 29. The system of claim 28, wherein the first and second front fastening belts are tilted down from the wheelchair to the front partition. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A wheelchair restraint system for a mass transport vehicle having a securing area for a wheelchair is described, which includes a barrier carried in a rear portion of the securing area disposed generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. . A rear wheelchair attachment set is carried by the rear barrier to anchor the wheelchair to the barrier. A personal safety belt assembly secures an occupant sitting in the wheelchair to the wheelchair in the securing area. A front partition extends generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle at a front portion of the securing area that includes an extendable anchoring member extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The anchoring member is extendable between a stored position in which the anchoring member is U stored within the septum and a deployed position where the anchoring member is extended from the septum. A front wheelchair attachment set includes two securing belts that extend from the wheelchair to a first x # anchoring location in the partition and a second anchoring location in the extensible anchoring member when the anchoring member is in the deployed position. The first and second front securing belts diverge outward and are tilted down from the wheelchair to the respective first and second anchor locations on the partition to effectively anchor the occupant and the wheelchair and prevent lateral rollover. 1U ID 2U