Wheel-activated vehicle restraint system

USRE37570E1 · kind E1 · reissue

Assignee

• Rite-Hite Holding Corporation · US

Inventors

• Scott L. Springer · Whitewater, US
• Norbert Hahn · Franklin, US
• Hans Van De Wiel · Drunen, NL
• Marcel Boon · Eindhoven, NL
• Frank De Beer · Hilvarenbeek, NL

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 10, 1998
• Grant date: Mar 5, 2002
• Expiry date: Dec 10, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

A wheel-activated vehicle restraint system including a support structure disposed beside the path of the vehicle approaching the dock, and including a guide member extending away from the dock face, and an elevated supporting member. A trigger assembly is operatively connected to the guide member, and initially engages the wheel of the vehicle as it rolls toward the dock. A locking arm operatively engages the supporting member to move from a stored position to a chocking position on the wheel as the wheel engages the trigger and moves it toward the dock. A trolley assembly operatively connects the trigger assembly and the locking arm, the trolley assembly and the locking arm being connected at a connection point. The trigger assembly is selectively positionable relative to the connection point in response to the dimensions of the wheel, and the locking arm engages a bottom portion of the wheel, and moves along the peripheral surface of the wheel to a chocking position as the wheel continues to push the trigger assembly toward the dock.