Track-mounted wheel restraint systems

US9139384B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Rite-Hite Holding Corporation · US

Inventors

• Andrew Brooks · Thiensville, US
• Benjamin Wieberdink · Cedar Grove, US
• Bradley J. Stone · Port Washington, US
• Norbert Hahn · Franklin, US
• Steve Fleischman · Oak Creek, US
• Timothy Cotton · Milwaukee, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 5, 2013
• Grant date: Sep 22, 2015
• Expiry date: Aug 2, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G69/005
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Example manual wheel restraint systems and methods for restraining a vehicle at a loading dock include are disclosed herein. An example wheel restraint disclosed herein includes a retractable wheel-blocking barrier mounted to a carrier that can be repositioned along a track, where the track is anchored to a driveway of a loading dock. The track runs generally parallel to a vehicle path that a wheel of a vehicle travels along as the vehicle backs into the dock. To block a rear wheel of the vehicle parked at the dock, the barrier extends laterally into the wheel path, adjacent or in front of the wheel. To release the vehicle, the barrier retracts out from within the wheel path. In some examples, to ensure that the vehicle is secured, the barrier and/or the carrier include barrier or carrier catches to help hold the barrier and carrier in a fixed position. In some examples, one or more sensors determine or sense whether the catches are secured or released and generate signals accordingly. The signals, in some examples, alert dock personnel of the condition of the catches.