Vehicle restraint with bi-directional sensor

US8616826B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Rite-Hite Holding Corporation · US

Inventors

• Timothy Cotton · Milwaukee, US
• Jonathan Andersen · Racine, US
• Kurt Lessard · Milwaukee, US
• Ben Wieberdink · Cedar Grove, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 19, 2011
• Grant date: Dec 31, 2013
• Expiry date: Dec 19, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G69/003
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle restraint restricts the movement of a vehicle at a loading dock by engaging the vehicle's RIG (rear impact guard). The vehicle restraint includes a barrier carried by a vertically translatable track follower, the barrier being driven by a motor or some other type of power unit. A RIG sensor detects the RIG's horizontal position relative to the barrier and can periodically energize the motor to maintain the barrier in generally continuous contact with the RIG, even if the RIG moves horizontally away from the barrier. Detection of such horizontal movement of the RIG triggers the barrier to move accordingly to reduce a horizontal gap that may have formed between the RIG and the barrier.