Vehicle activated wheel chocking system

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel chocking system for at least one tire (T 2 ) of a vehicle which is rotatable on a treadway (S) between a starting position (A) and a plurality of lockable positions (B) close to a dock. The chocking system comprises: a chocking device (10) comprising a chock (16), said chock being positionable behind said tire (T 2 ) when said rolling tire rolls on the treadway (S) from said starting position (A) to said lockable positions (B), a guide channel (C) extending along said treadway and said chocking device being moveably guided along said guide channel between an initial position and operating positions, and a controllable lock (30) capable of selectively locking said chock (16) in a chock position (B) behind the tire corresponding to any of said operating positions.

Description: This invention relates to vehicle actuated wheel chocking systems. Although the trucking industry has some standards, most are a result of federal regulations. For example, trucks delivering goods over a vehicle supporting surface to a dock may be a tractor and trailer, a tractor trailer and pup, or a straight van. Throughout this specification and the appended claims "treadway" is used to refer to every vehicle supporting surface in the broadest sense, including but not limited to roads, driveways, ramps, bridges, pits, levelers or the like. In all those situations the position of the wheels in relation to a treadway, to a dock position, and to one another may vary. Therefore there exists a need to position a chock at a specific chock position in relation to the vehicle wheel, the treadway or an associated loading dock or other loading facility. In this description, wherever the term "dock," "loading dock," "dock position" or like term is used, it is intended broadly to include raised loading docks, fluid terminals and loading stations of all kinds wherever positive and safe positioning of a vehicle is desired. Furthermore, the term "tire" includes a wheel and tire rotatably mounted on a vehicle. Also as the height of the rear of the truck may not be standardized a dock leveling device may be necessary as the trailer is loaded or unloaded. It is known to raise/or lower the trailer level to coincide with the dock or dock leveling device as the truck is unloaded/loaded. It is therefore imperative that the trailer be chocked for safe loading and unloading of the trailer regardless of the type of vehicle being serviced or the position of the vehicle wheel relative to the loading dock. Such a trailer leveler with a chock is found in EP 0 357 087 A1 or US 5,249,905 A. However, such chocking systems provide chocking of the wheel after the vehicle has reached its final position in a separate step. There is therefore a need in the industry to provide an automatic chocking system which chocks the trailer, pup, or van while automatically being positioned regardless of the positioning of the wheels in relation to one another and the dock. Therefore it is the object of this invention to provide an automatic vehicle activated chock positioning device. This object is solved by a wheel chocking system in accordance with claim 1 and further advantageous embodiments according to claims 2 to 21. It is an advantage of this invention to provide such a chock positioning device built into a dock location and treadway. It is another advantage of this invention to provide a loading ramp which may be raised to such an extent that it provides in combination with a dock leveler, an exit, entrance ramp from/to the warehouse for material handling trucks. Further an other advantage of the invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art when considering the following summary of the invention and the more detailed description of the preferred embodiments illustrated herein. According to one embodiment of the invention there is provided a vehicle actuated wheel chock positioning device for at least one tire of such a vehicle which is rotatable on a treadway between an initial position and a plurality of operating positions, the chock positioning device including: a mechanism engageable by such tire at the initial position and moveable with the tire as it rolls on the treadway; a chock positionable behind the tire when the mechanism is in any of the operating positions in response to engagement of the mechanism by the rolling tire; a connector between the mechanism and the chock; and, a controllable lock capable of selectively locking the chock in a chock position behind the tire corresponding to one of the operating positions. In one preferred embodiment the mechanism may be resiliently biased arm which engages dock side portions of the leading tire and once engaged the continued movement of the trailer chocks a lagging portion of the tire proximate the loading/unloading position as effected by the movement of the trailer to the docking position. In this embodiment the connector is a moveable dolly. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the automatic chock positioning device may be disposed on or in a treadway adjoining a loading dock and in one embodiment within a pit adjacent the dock. The chock positioning device may be disposed with a self leveling ramp the chock positioning device including a connector movable from an initial position to a plurality of operating positions, one of which becomes the chock position upon actuation of a controllable lock. According to yet another embodiment of the invention there is provided an automatic wheel chock positioning apparatus comprising a supporting member having a first and second end and being pivotally supported proximate one end thereof on a supporting surface and moveable substantially vertically proximate the other end thereof for leveling the floor of a trailer in relation to a fixed loading dock or, alternatively, a moveable dock plate provided with the loading dock, the supporting member having a recessed channel provided therein. The supporting member has at least one vehicle activated wheel chock positioning device as described above mounted therewith for vehicle activated movement from an initial position whereat said wheel chock positioning device is located away from the dock end of the supporting member so as to readily engage the leading tire of a vehicle, to operating positions where said wheel chocking device is disposed behind a leading tire of the vehicle and moves with said tire to the operating position for chocking where the lock is activated to provide the chock position. The device preferably has a dolly or other connector moveable in the channel and connecting and carrying both the actuating mechanism engaged by the tire and the chock. The chock position is established by a lock that provides interconnection between the supporting member and the connector to restrict motion of the connector toward the initial position. The lock is selectively deactuated to permit the device to return to the initial position. In a further embodiment the locking device further comprises a moveable member within said channel wherein said member locks the dolly at the chock position, preferably said dolly including detent means provided therewith to engage with detent means disposed with the moveable member to lock the dolly at the chock position. Preferably the moveable member is moved in the channel by drive means and preferably a hydraulic cylinder. In one embodiment the member has ratchet like teeth and notches which engage with ratchet like teeth disposed on the bottom of said dolly. In another embodiment the leading means of the dolly is resiliently biased in order to accommodate variable sizes of tires. According to yet another embodiment of the invention the supporting member may further comprise a secondary guide channel for a guide member of the lagging means or chock arm of the dolly wherein when the dolly is moved from the initial position the secondary guide guides the lagging means or chock arm from he initial position to the operating position. An advantageous embodiment of an automatic vehicle actuated wheel chocking device for at least one tire of a vehicle comprises an engaging mechanism for initially engaging a tire of a vehicle as said tire rolls toward a dock position, a chock mechanism for chocking the tire and that may be activated once the tire is engaged by the engaging mechanism, and a connector connecting said engaging mechanism and said chock mechanism to move them together toward said dock in response to the rolling motion of the tire. Another embodiment of an automatic truck actuated wheel chocking device for at least one tire of a vehicle comprises an engaging mechanism for engaging the leading tire of a vehicle as the vehicle moves towards a dock, a chock mechanism for chocking the leading tire of the vehicle activated once the leading tire is engaged by said engaging mechanism wherein said chocking takes place substantially proximate the dock as effected by the movement of the trailer toward the dock and wherein said chock mechanism is a resiliently biased arm which engages the dock side of the leading tire and once engaged the continued movement of the vehicle causes the chock mechanism to engage a lagging edge of the tire proximate the dock. Preferably, the arm is disposed with a movable dolly. In one specific embodiment the automatic chocking device is disposed within a pit adjacent the dock. In another embodiment the automatic chocking device is disposed with a leveling ramp, the chocking device being moveable from an initial position, to an operating position and finally to a chock position adjacent the dock. One embodiment refers to an automatic wheel chocking apparatus for cooperation with a leading tire of a vehicle, comprising a supporting member having a first and second end and being pivotally supported proximate one end thereof on a supporting surface and substantially vertically proximate the other end thereof for leveling a vehicle in relation to a fixed loading dock or alternatively a dock plate provided with the loading dock, the supporting member having a recessed channel provided therein, the supporting member having at least one vehicle activated wheel chocking device mounted therewith for vehicle activated movement from an initial position whereat said wheel chocking device is located away from said other end of the supporting member so as to readily engage the leading tire of the vehicle, to an operating position where said wheel chocking device engages the leading tire of the vehicle and moves with said tire to a chock position wherein the chocking device is fully engaged with the leading tire and locked; the wheel chocking apparatus having vehicle activated means for moving said wheel chocking device between said initial and operating positions, wherein engagement of the apparatus by said tire moves said wheel chocking device from the initial position to the operating positions and finally to be locked in said chock position, and movement of said vehicle away from said chock position moves said wheel chocking device from the operating positions to the initial position. In particular in this embodiment the leading tire has a leading tread portion and a lagging tread position and wherein said chocking device further comprises a dolly moveable in said channel having a first leading means for engaging the leading tread of said tire at the initial position, and a lagging means for engaging the lagging tread of said tire, said latter engagement being effected by the motion of the vehicle as the vehicle moves from the initial position towards the operating position, and locking means for locking said dolly in said chock position. Preferably, said leading means is an arm. Preferably said lagging means is a locking arm. In particular said leading means is resiliently biased to accommodate any size tire. In an advantageous version the supporting member is moveable from a first position wherein the dock end of the supporting member is level with the supporting surface to a position wherein the member is disposed at an angle to the supporting surface and is used in conjunction with the leveling dock plate as an exit/entrance ramp to the dock, for example by a material handling truck. Another embodiment further comprises a locking device having a moveable member disposed within said channel wherein said member locks the device at the chock position. Preferably said locking device includes device means provided therewith to engage with member means disposed with the moveable member to lock the device at the chock position. In a specific version the moveable member is moved in the channel by a drive member. In one solution said drive member is a hydraulic cylinder. Preferably the member means has ratchet like teeth and notches which engage ratchet like teeth of said device means disposed on the bottom of said device. In a particular version the leading means of the dolly is resiliently biased in order to accommodate variable sizes of tires. In an advantageous embodiment the supporting member further comprises a secondary guide channel and said lagging means has a guide member wherein when the dolly is moved from the initial position the secondary guide, guides the lagging means and preferred arm from the initiated position to the operating position. In a further advantageous embodiment of a vehicle actuated wheel chock positioning device for at least one tire of a vehicle which is rotatable on a treadway between an initial position and a plurality of operating positions, the chock positioning device comprises an engaging mechanism engageable by such tire at the initial position and moveable to operating positions with the tire as it rolls on the treadway, a chock positionable behind the tire when the mechanism is in any of the operating positions in response to engagement of the mechanism by the rolling tire, and a controllable lock capable of selectively locking the chock in a chock position behind the tire corresponding to any one of said operating positions. The device preferably includes a connector interconnecting the engaging mechanism and chock in a spaced relationship. In particular said chock is a rotatable arm which rotates to the position behind the tire in response to rolling tire engagement with the mechanism and movement to operating positions. A system including aforementioned embodiment of the device comprises a channel extending along said treadway and a connector in said channel carrying said device between said initial position and said operating positions. The system in particular includes an operator in said channel engageable with said chock to position said chock behind the tire as said device moves from the initial position to the operating position. The system may also include a leveling ramp disposed on said treadway and carrying said channel, said ramp having at least a portion thereof vertically movable to alter the vertical position of the tire relative to the treadway. One embodiment of the system includes two of said channels carried by said treadway and disposed in spaced parallel relationship to accommodate two spaced, coaxial tires of such vehicle. Preferably, said means in the channel includes a connector interconnecting the engaging means and chock whereby they move together. In particular said means in the channel includes a cam surface and wherein a portion of said chock engages said cam surface to raise said chock to said position behind the tire as the device moves from said initial position to any of said operating positions. In one embodiment of the system said controllable lock includes a stop transversely movable in said channel between an inoperative condition and an operative condition, said stop and said connector have interacting portions when said stop is in said operative condition to lock said device in the chock position. Specifically the interconnecting portions of said connector and said stop can be ratchet teeth. Another embodiment of the present invention refers to a vehicle actuated wheel chock positioning device for at least one tire of a vehicle which is rotatable on a treadway, the chock positioning device comprising a channel extending along said treadway, an engaging mechanism engageable by said tire and movable with said tire along said channel as it rolls on the treadway between an initial position and one of a plurality of operating positions and a chock movable along said channel in spaced relationship relative to said mechanism and positionable behind the tire when the mechanism assumes any one of the operating positions in response to engagement of the mechanism by the rolling tire. In a version the chock positioning device includes a connector interconnecting the engaging mechanism and the chock whereby said engaging mechanism and said chock move together in said channel. In a further solution the chock positioning device includes cooperating means in said channel and on said chock to move said chock to the position behind the tire when said chock moves to any of said operating positions. In a specific embodiment the arm is disposed with a moveable dolly. In particular the automatic chocking device is disposed within a pit adjacent the dock. Another embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle actuated wheel chock positioning device for at least one tire of a vehicle which is rotatable on a treadway between an initial position and a plurality of operating positions, the chock positioning device comprising an engaging mechanism engageable by such tire at the initial position and movable to operating positions with the tire as it rolls on the treadway, a chock positionable behind the tire when the mechanism is in any of the operating positions in response to engagement of the mechanism by the rolling tire, and a controllable lock having a portion longitudinally positioned in said channel and movable between an unlocked position and a locking position in engagement with said chock. The invention will now be illustrated with respect to the following drawings illustrating embodiments of the invention of which: Figure 1 constitutes prior art as described in the background of the invention. Figure 2 is a side schematic view of the invention illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 is a side schematic view of the invention integral with a loading platform illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 is a similar view to that of Figure 3 illustrating the most rearward tire T2 of a trailer T being fully chocked, when the trailer T is proximate the dock D. Figure 5 is a side schematic view of the invention of Figure 4 with the trailer having departed and the platform portion 20 being pivoted to provide in combination with the self leveling dock plate 41 an entrance or exit ramp to the dock D for material handling trucks, and illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 is a top plan view of the invention of Figures 3, 4 and 5. Figures 7 and 8 are end schematic views of the invention installed within a platform 50, as seen in Figure 3, as viewed from the dock (Fig. 7) and facing the dock (Fig. 8) respectively, and illustrating the tire chocking from both sides of the tire T2. Figure 9 is a front view of a single chocking device installed within a pit and illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 10 is a side exploded view of the components which provide the locking of the dolly 10 within the channel C of the unloading ramp and illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figures 11 through 15 illustrate in side schematic view the chocking of tire T2 from the point when the tire T2 approaches the chocking device in Figure 11 through to the capturing of the wheel T2 in Figure 14 and the locking thereof in Figure 15; Figure 16 through 18 illustrate the release sequence of the tire T2, as the trailer moves from the ramp and the loading/unloading dock, all Figures being illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 19, 20 and 21 illustrate the flexibility of the chocking device to accept variable size tires illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Referring now to Figure 1 the prior art is illustrated showing a trailer T docked on a roadway surface S at a dock D. The dock has provided therewith an unloading device for chocking the wheels of the trailer as taught by the prior art Kelley United States Patent 4,969,792. Because of the ability of the chock to move from the dock entrance a total of 16 feet, should the trailer be using a floating axle F which is quite common in today's trucking industry then the dimensions of the device as taught in the Kelley patent will prevent the chock K from coming out of the holding pocket and being moved up against the tire T1. This is a very hazardous condition as now the truck is being loaded or unloaded without a proper chocking system having a positioning and chocking device. Referring now to Figure 2 there is illustrated a chocking system having a positioning and chocking device of the present invention with a trailer T being docked at a conventional dock D with the chocking device 10 being movable from a position A through a position A 1 , to a position B, as the rear tire T2 first engages the arm 15 of the chocking device 10, thereby moving the chocking device in the channel C to position B wherein the chocking device is in the fully chocked and locked position. It is noted that the chocking device at all times captures the leading rear tire T2 so that no prospect of misusing the device is potentially possible. The chocking device 10 is provided with a leading arm 15, and a mechanism including a lagging arm 16 engaged with a connector in the form of dolly 17. The dolly 17 is part of a system 5 including channel C and is movable on wheels W within channel C when the rear most tire T2 engages the arm 15 at position A. In doing so, the arm 16 which is normally beneath the surface of the treadway S, will be drawn up by the rearward motion of the dolly 10 as the movement of tire T2 forces the dolly to move toward the most rearward position B. In doing so, the arm 16 will, because of incline cam surface C 1 , of the channel C, cause the roller of arm 16 and specifically roller 16c to ride on the incline portion C 1 until such time as the roller 16c rests on the top edges of surface 50 and cannot move to any other position but the upwardly inclined position, as best seen at position B of Figure 2. In this position the chock is fully activated and is preferably locked. As best seen in Figure 7, chocking may take place on one or both rear tires T2. Since the chocking device of the present invention engages the rear most accessible tire of the trailer, pup or van, there is no possibility of the chocking device failing to chock the wheels and specifically the rear most accessible wheel T2 of the trailer T. Referring now to Figure 3 and 6 there is illustrated another embodiment of the invention wherein the chocking device 10 is installed with a movable support such as platform 20 where the combined apparatus works in combination with a leveling dock plate 40 disposed with dock D. The support 20 therefore has a support surface 21 which is movable by a cylinder 26 to allow for variances in height of the trailer floor in relation to the dock, when the trailer is being loaded and unloaded. The support 20 also provides for some degree of leveling as well. The support 20 therefore includes a pivot Pa proximate the front thereof about which the support 20 will move, as best seen in relation to Figure 5. The chocking device as best seen in relation to Figure 6 in conjunction with Figures 3 and 4, is disposed in channel C and arm 15 is engaged therefore by the leading tire T2 shown here on both sides of the vehicle in a position substantially shown in Figure 3 where arm 15 which is biased by a torsion spring 15b engages the tire T2 as it moves toward the dock D. The arm 16 therefore at that particular point in time remains below the surface of the support 20, until such time as the roller 16c is carried up the cam surface C 1 as the dolly 17 moves toward the dock D. The roller 16c will eventually rest on the edges of surface 50 above channel C and the tires rest on the surface 21 of the support 20, capturing the other side or the lagging tread surface of the tire T2. Continued motion of the tire T2 toward the dock results in the dolly moving to the position as best seen in Figure 4, wherein both the leading tread surface and the lagging tread surface of tire T2 are captured by arms 15 and 16 respectively, with the roller 16c being firmly positioned on the top edges of surface 50 above channel C so as to prevent the arm 16 from moving downward and therefore providing a very positive chocking device 10. A ratcheting type locking bar 30 as best seen in relation to Figure 10 is operated by a hydraulic cylinder 35 to draw in the ratchet portions 31 on the bar 30 and the slots on the bar, guided by portions, not shown, of the channel C in relation to the ratchet portion 17b found on the bottom of the dolly 17, thereby locking by ratchet action the dolly in its finally locked chock position adjacent the dock. The truck is now in a safe position to be loaded and unloaded. Referring now to Figure 5 there is illustrated the support 20 with the dock end 22 being substantially vertically moved to a position cooperating with the docking plate 41 and together providing an exit or entrance ramp for material handling trucks to and from the dock and the driveway. In this position as best seen in Figure 6, the chocking devices are separated by approximately 6 feet and material handling trucks can move in between without any problem. Referring to Figure 6 there is clearly illustrated the top view of the support 20 and support surface 21 in relation to chocking device 10. The slot in channel C and the ability of the chocking device to be truck actuated and move from its initial position shown at the front of channel C to the rear of the channel C adjacent the dock D and the dock plate 41 are also illustrated. The leading arm 15 always is engaged by the tire T2 at first and the lagging arm 16 lies within a well WE as best seen in the shaded area of Fig. 9, until such time as the truck tire T2 engages the arm 15 and the arm 16 is drawn up by the movement of the rollers 16c against the incline cam C1 of the channel C. Referring to Figure 7 and 8 in conjunction with Figure 2 there is illustrated the chocking device 10 installed in a simple channel permanently positioned along the supporting surfaces. The supporting member 50 with the top defining a supporting surface 21 therefore has channel C provided therewith within which the chocking device 10 will move from a position wherein the arm 16 is substantially below the top surface 21 of the supporting member 50 to a position as best seen in Figure 8. Rollers therefore 16a and 16b are provided with the arm 16 to engage the tire T2 proximate the lagging side thereof, as is the case with arm 15. However, the roller 16c of the arm 16 as can be clearly seen in Figure 7 and 8 will lock the arm 16 in its operating position because of engagement with the surface 50 along channel C . Referring now to Figure 9 a single chocking device is illustrated in a pit with a dolly 17 movable in the pit as an alternative embodiment of the invention. Only arm 16 is illustrated clearly in Figure 9, however, the mechanics thereof, and the operation thereof, are very similar to the remaining illustrations and those skilled in the art will appreciate the operation. Referring to Figure 10 there is illustrated the dolly 17 and the locking member 30 separate from the channel C to illustrate the interrelationship of the components therefore. The dolly 10 therefore includes arms 15 and 16 adjacent each side thereof, with the arm 15 being resiliently biased by a torsion spring 15b locked by portions 15c and 15d proximate the tynes thereof. Therefore when the leading tire T2 engages the arm 15 via the roller 15a the arm will yield under the compression of the spring 15b. Different tire sizes cause the arm to move to the positions as best seen in relation to Figures 19 through 21. The arm 16 however will be locked in a permanent position because of the engagement of roller 16c with the supporting surface 50 along the channel C. The wheels therefore W move the dolly 17 from the initial position wherein the truck leading tire T2 engages arm 15 while arm 16 is recessed into channel C below the level of the ramp surface 21 until raised to an operating position wherein both arms align with the tire. As best seen in Figure 15 and 16 an operating position becomes a chock position wherein the locking member 30 is moved via a cylinder 35, as best seen in relation to Figure 15 to cause the ratchet portion 17b of dolly 17 to engage with the ratchet portion 31 in response to openings 32 of the ratcheting bar or member 30 riding up on portions (not shown) of channel C, thereby locking the dolly and chocking mechanism 10 in its final chock position adjacent the dock. Referring now to Figures 11 through 15 there is illustrated a sequential view of the movement of the leading tire T2. The tire T2 therefore moves on the supporting surface S and approaches the arm 15 sitting in a position to ensure that the tire T2 will engage the arm 15. As seen in relation to Figure 6, since there may be duplicates of the chocking device on each side of the truck it is presumed that the driver is operating the truck correctly and is backing into the dock in a square manner. The tire T2 therefore will engage the arm 15 of the chocking device 10 and will therefore drive the chocking device back in the channel C toward the dock. The dolly 17 therefore on wheels W will provide the motion of the dolly within the channel C. The ramp portion C 1 of the channel C maintains the arm 16 in a recessed position as shown in Figure 11, until such time as the roller 16c begins to ride up the incline portion C1 of the ramp when as the arm 16 engages the tire, as best seen in relation to Figure 14. The incline C1 acts as an operator to pivot arm 16. The entire motion of the dolly to the various operating positions is effected by the movement of the tire only. There is no operating mechanism for the dolly to move other than by the truck activated motion provided by the truck itself . The change from an operating position to a chock position of the device is accomplished by cooperation of dolly ratchet 17B with operator controlled ratchet 31. When the arm 16 reaches the position established in Figure 14 the roller 16c will therefore rigidify arm 16 providing positive capturing of the tire T2 in that position. However, the dolly is still free to move in either direction in response to rolling motion of the tire until such time as the wheel T2 reaches the desired chock position. As shown in Figure 15 at that position the locking member described in relation to Figure 10 engages the ratcheting portion proximate the bottom of the dolly. The engagement of ratchet portion 31 with the ratchet portion 17b is effected by the cylinder 35 drawing locking bar 30 to the right causing upward motion of bar 30 as slots 32 ride up on projections from channel C (not shown). The chocking device 10 is thereby in its chock position so that the truck may be safely unloaded with the rear most wheel being chocked and the truck locked in its loading/unloading position. This will continue until such time as the unloading/loading has been completed and when the truck desires to move away from the loading/unloading area. As illustrated in relation to Figures 16 through 18 the reverse of the operation of the chocking device occurs. Firstly, the cylinder 35 unlocks the ratcheting portions of the latching bar and dolly 31 and 17b respectively through the action of slots 32. Therefore the wheel T2 is free to rotate in a direction shown as the trailer moves off of the loading position, bringing the dolly to the position shown in Figure 17 wherein arm 16 will again move downwardly away from the wheel T2 and be hidden below the treadway surface S and in well WE of channel C to allow the wheel T2 to pass there over, as best seen in Figure 18, while the leading arm 15 remains in position for the next approaching truck. In doing so clearly, the portion 16c of the arm 16 permits travel of the arm back down into its recessed position, as best seen in its final recessed position in relation to Figure 18. Referring now to Figures 19 through 21 there is illustrated the chocking device 10 engaging alternative size tires Tx, Ty and Tz via the arm 16 and 15, wherein a wheel size variance from, 30 inches to 42 inches for example, may be accommodated by the chocking device with a standard size dolly 17 and arm 16 and 15 because of the spring biased nature of arm 15 via spring 15b. In this manner the chocking arm 16 plays the vital role of chocking, while the activating arm 15 plays the vital role for bringing the chocking arm 16 into its upwardly inclined position. As many changes can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all material contained herein by interpreted as illustrative of the invention and not in a limiting sense.

Claims: A wheel chocking system for at least one tire of a vehicle which is rotatable on a treadway (S) between a starting position (A) and a plurality of lockable positions (B) close to a dock (D); the chocking system comprising: a chocking device (10) comprising a chock (16), said chock (16) being positionable behind said tire (T2) when said tire (T2) is in one of said lockable positions (B); a guide channel (C) extending along said treadway and said chocking device (10) being moveably guided along said guide channel (C) between an initial position and operating positions; characterized in that said chock (16) is automatically positionable behind a leading rear tire (T2) by a wheel chock positioning device actuable by said vehicle, that said chock (16) is moveable with said leading rear tire (T2) when said tire (T2) rolls on the treadway (S) from said starting position (A) to said one of said lockable positions (B) and that a controllable lock is provided which when actuated is capable of selectively locking said chock (16) against movement with respect to said guide channel (C) in a chock position (B) behind said leading rear tire (T2) corresponding to any of said operating positions and which when deactuated permits said chock (16) to return to said initial position. A chocking system in accordance with claims 1, wherein said chock comprises an arm (16). A chocking system in accordance with one of claims 1 to 2, wherein said chock (16) is fully activated in said lockable positions of said at least one tire. A chocking system in accordance with one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said chock (16) which is normally beneath the surface of the treadway (S) will be drawn up by motion of chocking device (10) towards said operating positions (B). A chocking system in accordance with one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said guide channel (C) comprises an inclined portion (C1) for bringing said chock (16) in its fully activated position. A chocking system in accordance with claim 5, wherein a roller (16c) of said chock (16) riding on said inclined portion (C1) is moved into an upwardly inclined position and thereby bringing said chock (16) in its fully activated position. A chocking system in accordance with one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an operator in said guide channel (C) engagable with said chock (16) is positioning said chock (16) behind said at least one tire (T2) as said chocking device (10) moves from the initial position (A) to the operating position (B). A chocking system in accordance with claim 7, wherein said operator in said guide channel (C) includes a cam surface (C1) and wherein a portion (16c) of said chock (16) engages said cam surface (C1) to raise said chock (16) to said position behind said tire (T2) as said chocking device (10) moves from said initial position (A) to any of said operating positions (B). A chocking system in accordance with one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said lock has a moveable member (30) disposed within said guide channel (C) wherein said moveable member (30) locks the chocking device (10) at the chock position. A chocking system in accordance with claim 9, wherein said chocking device (10) includes device means provided therewith to engage with member means disposed with the moveable member (30) to lock the chocking device (10) at the chock position. A chocking system in accordance with claim 9 or 10, wherein the moveable member (30) is moved in the guide channel (C) by a drive member (35). A chocking system in accordance with claim 11, wherein said drive member is a hydraulic cylinder (35). A chocking system in accordance with claim 12, wherein the member means has ratchet like teeth and notches which engage ratchet like teeth of said device means disposed on the bottom of said chocking device (10). A chocking system in accordance with one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said controllable lock comprises a stop (30) moveable in said guide channel (C) between an inoperative condition and an operative condition, said stop (30) and said chocking device having interacting portions to lock said chocking device in said chock position when said stop is in said operative condition. A chocking system according to claim 14, wherein said interconnecting portions of said chocking device (10) and said stop (30) are ratchet teeth. A chocking device in accordance with any of the preceding claims, wherein said wheel chock positioning device comprises a mechanism engageable by said leading rear tire (T2). A chocking system in accordance with claim 16, wherein said mechanism is a resiliently biased arm (15) which engages dock side portions of said leading rear tire (T2). A chocking system in accordance with claims 16 or 17, wherein said mechanism is engageable by said at least one tire (T2)at said initial position and moveable to one of said operative positions with the tire (T2) as it rolls on the treadway (S) from said starting position (A) to said lockable positions (B) and said chock (16) being positionable behind said tire (T2) when said mechanism is in any of the operating positions in response to engagement of said engaging mechanism by said rolling tire (T2). A chocking system in accordance with claim 18, comprising a connector (17) interconnecting said mechanism and said chock (16) in spaced relationship. A chocking system in accordance with one of claims 18 to 19, wherein said chock is a rotatable arm (16) which rotates to the position behind the tire (T2) in response to rolling tire engagement with the mechanism and movement of said tire (T2) to one of said lockable positions (B). A chocking system in accordance with claim 20, wherein a connector (17) in said guide channel (C) is carrying said chocking device (10) between said starting position (A) and said locking positions (B).

Inventors: ELLIS ELWOOD, ELLIS, ELWOOD
Applicants: RITE HITE HOLDING CORP, RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
Application year: 1995
Main classification: B65G67
IPC codes: B65G69