Q’Straint is unveiling the QRT-360, its new wheelchair retractor tie-down system for the mobility market at the National Mobility Equipment Dealer’s Association Conference (NMEDA), taking place in Reno, Nev. from Feb. 5 to 7.

Q’Straint’s new QRT-360 is the first retractor to meet the Rehabilitation Engineering Assistive Technology Society of North America’s (RESNA) higher-strength requirements of WC18 standards for effective WTORS in advance of when they take effect in December 2015, according to the supplier. At that time, compliance with WC18 standards will require wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint systems (WTORS) to be stronger and capable of withstanding loads up to 60% higher.

QRT-360 is the first 4-point, heavy duty, fully automatic retractable tie-down system designed, engineered and built to perform successfully in a 30-mph frontal crash with a crash test wheelchair featuring an integrated lap belt, such as with the popular WC19 chairs, company officials said.

The retractor tie-down system is part of the QRT-3 Series and is compatible with most vehicles and chairs for every transportation application: personal mobility, public transit, paratransit, school/pupil transportation, and taxi.

“In light of the VA’s [Veterans Affairs’] decision to specify the use of only WC19 wheelchairs, wheelchair OEMs are focusing on these types of chairs for use with their products,” said Bob Joseph, Q’Straint VP of business development. As WC19 wheelchairs become increasingly more popular, the need for compatible wheelchair tie-downs becomes more critical.”

The QRT-360 utilizes energy management designs and material technologies to deliver the system’s full strength for maximum load capacity. It features an energy-absorbing steel frame, new high-strength 58-mm wide webbing, and a fine-adjustment self-tensioning mechanism using 25 high-strength teeth in the retractor locking mechanism. The geometry of the teeth and a new locking bar ensure perpendicular alignment for maximum strength in all tie-down situations, company officials said.

A re-engineered positive-locking interface in the retractor mechanism contributes to the system’s ability to resist extremely high-dynamic loads.

The QRT-360 is covered by a comprehensive five-year warranty.