Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090026022 | WHEEL CHOCK SYSTEM - A wheel restraint for restraining a vehicle at a loading dock includes various features such as, a wheel chock supported by a spring loaded articulated arm with a spring that can be selectively tightened or released, a sensor that detects whether the chock is solidly against a base plate or floor, a bi-directional pivotal joint between the articulated arm and the wheel chock to ensure that the chock can sit squarely on a mating base plate, a wheel chock that meshes with a hydraulically actuated base plate, pivotal or otherwise movable backstops that prevent a wheel chock from sliding out of position, and a base plate cleaning system. The cleaning system might include a vehicle-actuated brush, fluid spray nozzles, electric heater and removable cover plates. | 01-29-2009 |
20090283999 | SUPPORT FRAME VEHICLE RESTRAINTS - A vehicle restraint restrains a vehicle at a loading dock by engaging a rail that is part of the vehicle's support frame, wherein the rail is normally used for adjusting the position of the vehicle's rear wheels. In a preferred embodiment, the restraint includes an adjustable-length arm attachable between the vehicle and the loading dock. The arm includes a retractable or removable pin that engages one of a series of holes in the rail or releasably engages some feature of the loading dock. In some examples, the restraint clamps onto the rail, particularly if the rail has no available open holes for a pin to be inserted. In some cases, the restraint also provides the vehicle with vertical support. | 11-19-2009 |
20110176896 | SUPPORT FRAME VEHICLE RESTRAINTS - Restraints for restraining a vehicle at a loading dock are described. An example restraint described herein includes a brace movable between a holding position and a release position. A first portion of the brace engages a supporting portion of the vehicle and a second portion of the brace engages a non-movable location at the loading dock to restrain the vehicle relative to the loading dock when the brace is in the holding position. For the holding position, the first portion of the brace moves in one direction underneath the vehicle to engage the supporting portion and the second portion moves in a second direction underneath the vehicle to engage the non-movable location. The first and second portions retract to allow the vehicle to move relative to the loading dock when the brace is in the release position | 07-21-2011 |
20110243693 | DOWNWARDLY INSERTABLE VEHICLE RESTRAINTS - Example vehicle restraints engage various features of a vehicle to restrain the vehicle at a loading dock. Some example restraints reach over and around a vehicle's rear impact guard. Some example restraints engage a hole or opening in a vehicle bed. Some example restraints are a combination bumper and blocking member. Some example restraints are a combination blocking member and a dock leveler lip. | 10-06-2011 |
20130037356 | WHEEL CHOCK SYSTEM - Vehicle restraint systems are disclosed herein. An example vehicle restraint system includes a base to be positioned adjacent a loading dock and a wheel chock to be positioned on the base. An actuator is coupled to the base and moves the base relative to a wall of the loading dock in a linear direction between a release position and a holding position when the wheel chock is coupled to the base. In the release position, the wheel chock disengages from a wheel of a vehicle positioned at the loading dock. In the holding position, the wheel chock frictionally engages the wheel of the vehicle to restrict movement of the wheel away from the loading dock. | 02-14-2013 |