Support frame vehicle restraints

US7914042B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Rite-Hite Holding Corporation · US

Inventors

• Jonathan Andersen · Racine, US
• Ben Wieberdink · Cedar Grove, US
• Timothy Cotton · Milwaukee, US
• Pamala Pietrangelo · Oak Creek, US
• Kurt Lessard · Milwaukee, US
• Norbert Hahn · Franklin, US
• Henk De Lang · Maarssen, NL

Key dates

• Filing date: May 13, 2008
• Grant date: Mar 29, 2011
• Expiry date: May 13, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T24/45262
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

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.