Patent ID: 9145273
Filing Date: 2015-09-29
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A vehicle restraint method for use at a loading dock for engaging a RIG (rear impact guard) of a vehicle, the vehicle restraint method comprising: positioning a main body underneath the RIG; rotating a barrier relative to the main body in a first rotational direction about a first axis from a stored position clear of the RIG to an upper blocking position to block the RIG; rotating a brace relative to the barrier in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction about a second axis until prevented from further rotation in the second rotational direction by contacting the barrier, the second axis at a substantially fixed location relative to the barrier and extending substantially parallel to the first axis; while the brace is contacting the barrier, rotating the barrier in the second rotational direction about the first axis until the brace engages a catch affixed to the main body, the catch to secure the barrier in an intermediate blocking position between the stored position and the upper blocking position to continue blocking the RIG; urging the brace to rotate in the first rotational direction about the second axis; and capturing the brace in the intermediate position when the external force is removed from the brace after the tooth of the brace engages the catch by providing a radius between a pivot axis of the brace and a tip of the tooth of the brace greater than a radius between the pivot axis of the brace and a tip of the catch to enable the catch to obstruct the brace and prevent the brace from rotating in the first rotational direction when an external force is removed from the brace.