Patent Publication Number: US-2004045774-A1

Title: Wheel locking system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
     [0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/408,622, filed Sep. 6, 2002. 
    
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] This invention relates to wheel locking systems, and, more particularly, to wheel locking systems for airplanes.  
       [0003] Locking systems for securing aircraft wheels against movement are known in the prior art. Such systems are designed for both preventing inadvertent movement, as well as, acting as security devices against theft of an aircraft. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,031,726, which issued on Jun. 28, 1977 to De Jager, discloses a generally U-shaped chock assembly which locks onto the brake drum of an airplane tire. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,201, which issued Jun. 27, 1995 to Willaford, discloses a two-chock assembly which is assembled and secured to an aircraft wheel by a chain. Other chock assemblies are known in the prior art, although not specifically disclosed for use with aircraft wheels; for example: U.S. Pat. No. 3,687,238, which issued Aug. 29, 1972 to Carpenter; U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,325, which issued Dec. 8, 1987 to Mountz; U.S. Pat. No. 4,804,070, which issued Feb. 14, 1989 to Bohler; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,465, which issued Jul. 30, 2002 to Tallman et al.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004] To overcome shortcomings of the prior art, a wheel locking system is provided which generally includes first and second chocks, each chock having at least one pin passage extending therethrough. In a first embodiment, first and second pins are slidably disposed respectively in the pin passages of the chocks which are fixed to first and second bars that are disposed on opposing sides of the chocks. In this manner, the chocks and the bars collectively define a well in which the wheel or wheels of an aircraft may be accommodated. Because of the bars extending between the chocks, the wheel locking system cannot be readily removed from the accommodated wheel or wheels. In addition, the ability of an aircraft to roll out of the locking system is highly hindered. Locks, such as padlocks, may be provided to further enhance the security aspect of the subject invention requiring removal of the locks prior to removal of the system.  
       [0005] As will be readily recognized by those skilled in the art, more than one pin passage may be formed in each chock, thereby allowing for positioning the pins and bars in different arrangements.  
       [0006] In a second embodiment of the subject invention, an elongated, flexible locking member, such as a steel cable, may be threaded through one or more of the pin passages of each chock to provide a holding force therebetween. The ends of the locking member can be fastened, or even locked, to retain the holding force.  
       [0007] In a further, third embodiment of the subject invention, only one chock is used having at least one pin passage extending therethrough. This embodiment is utilizable with airplane wheels having an open passage extending through its wheel axle. A pin is passed through one of the pin passages of the chock, and a second pin is passed through the wheel&#39;s open passage. The pins are fixed together as in the first embodiment. As a further variation, an elongated flexible locking member (as used with the second embodiment) may be used in the configuration of the third embodiment, in lieu of the pins and bars.  
       [0008] As a variation of any of the aforementioned embodiments, ribs for enhanced traction and/or a carrying handle may be provided.  
       [0009] In yet further embodiments, the components of the system may be formed modularly or combined.  
       [0010] These and other features of the invention will be better understood through a study of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
     [0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a wheel locking system formed in accordance with the subject invention.  
     [0012]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the wheel locking system of FIG. 1.  
     [0013]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bar used in conjunction with the subject invention.  
     [0014]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a pin used in conjunction with the subject invention.  
     [0015]FIG. 5( a ) is an elevational view of a chock having more than one pin passage.  
     [0016]FIG. 5( b ) is a top plan view of the top surface of a chock.  
     [0017]FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a second embodiment of the wheel locking system.  
     [0018]FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a third embodiment of the wheel locking system.  
     [0019]FIG. 8( a ) is an elevational view of a chock having ribs and a carrying handle.  
     [0020]FIG. 8( b ) is a partial top plan view of the chock of FIG. 8( a ).  
     [0021]FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a wheel locking system having modular and combined components.  
     [0022]FIG. 10 is a partial top plan view of an alternative embodiment wherein a locking member is fixed in proximity to a side of a chock. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0023] With reference to FIGS.  1 - 4 , a first embodiment of a wheel locking system is shown and generally designated with the reference numeral  10 . The system  10  generally includes fore and aft chocks  12 ,  14 , at least two bars  16 , and at least two pins  18 . The chocks  12 ,  14  and the bars  16  collectively define a well  20  for accommodating a wheel or wheels W, as represented in dashed lines. Advantageously, with the bars  16  being located on both sides of the wheel or wheels W, the system  10  cannot be readily removed from about the wheel or wheels W. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the system  10  can be utilized in various wheel-chocking applications, but is particularly well-suited for use with airplane wheel(s).  
     [0024] The fore and aft chocks  12 ,  14  are preferably identically formed, with each chock  12 ,  14  having first and second side surfaces  22 ,  24 , a ramped surface  26  extending between the first and second side surfaces  22 ,  24 , and a base surface  28 . The ramped surfaces  26  may each be formed arcuately, such as about a single radius R, as shown in FIG. 1, for example to match a partial diameter of a common aircraft wheel, or, alternatively, may be a generally flat angled surface, multiple flat surfaces, or a combination of arcuate and flat surfaces. The ramped surfaces  26  should be formed such that the well  20  may accommodate a range of wheel diameters.  
     [0025] The chocks  12 ,  14  preferably have a generally triangular shape to resist movement of the wheel or wheels W. It is preferred that each of the ramped surfaces  26  curves inwardly at its upper end  30 . It is also preferred that the upper ends  30  be spaced a height H from the respective base surfaces  28  and be spaced apart a distance T which is less than the diameter D of the wheel or wheels W to be accommodated. With the height H being preferably greater than half the diameter D (i.e., greater than the radius of the wheel or wheels W), the upper ends  30  provide a necked opening against unhindered upward movement of the wheel or wheels W out of the well  20 .  
     [0026] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various geometric configurations of the chocks  12 ,  14  may be used, beyond that which is shown in the figures. The chocks  12 ,  14  may be unitarily formed (such as by molding), or assembled from multiple parts. In addition, the chocks  12 ,  14  may be made from various materials, including, but not limited to, wood, rubber, metal and plastic.  
     [0027] Each of the chocks  12 ,  14  also includes a pin passage  32  which extends between and through the first and second side surfaces  22 ,  24  of the chocks  12 ,  14 , as best shown in FIG. 2. Depending on the constituent material of the chocks  12 ,  14 , bushings (not shown) may be provided to at least partially line the pin passages  32 .  
     [0028] With reference to FIG. 4, each of the pins  18  is preferably formed from metal with a shaft  34  and an enlarged portion  36  located at one end thereof. A locking hole  38  is defined through the shaft  34  in proximity to end  40  located opposite the enlarged portion  36 . The shaft  34  is formed to pass through one of the pin passages  32 .  
     [0029] With reference to FIG. 3, each of the bars  16  is formed with a body  42  having a plurality of adjustment holes  44  formed in series extending from one end  46  and a fixed hole  48  located in proximity to an opposite end  50 . The number, size and placement of the adjustment holes  44  can be varied to allow the system  10  to function with a range of wheel diameters. As is readily apparent, the distance T between the upper ends  30  of the chocks  12 ,  14  can be varied by using various adjustment holes  44 . The adjustment holes  44  and the fixed holes  48  are each sized and configured to allow for passage therethrough of the shaft  34  of one of the pins  18 , but not the enlarged portion  36  thereof. It is preferred that both the bars  16  be formed of metal.  
     [0030] In assembling the system  10 , the chocks  12 ,  14  are positioned about the wheel or wheels W in fore and aft positions, respectively. One of the pins  18  is passed through the fixed holes  48  of the bars  16 , with the bars  16  being located on opposite sides of the chocks  12 ,  14 . One of the adjustment holes  44  of each of the bars  16  is then aligned with the pin passage  18  of the other chock  12 ,  14 . Once aligned, one of the pins  18  is passed therethrough. FIG. 2 shows the assembled system  10 . It is preferred that the pins  18  be formed of sufficient length to protrude and to at least partially expose the locking holes  38 . Any technique known to those skilled in the art may be used to maintain the system  10  intact, including, but not limited to, placing a fastener, such as a cotter pin, in one or both of the locking holes  38 . For a higher form of security, locks  52 , such as padlocks, may be locked onto one or both of the locking holes  38 . To facilitate installation and removal of the locks  52 , it is preferred that a common key be used for the locks  52 .  
     [0031] The width of the chocks  12 ,  14  may be adjusted to accommodate a typical width of the wheel or wheels W (e.g., to accommodate a single wheel or a multi-wheel landing gear). In addition, the bars  16  and or the pins  18  may be formed as flexible members, such as from chains or cable, or as folding members. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, any technique of fixing the bars  16  and the pins  18  together may be utilized, such as with threaded connections.  
     [0032] For exemplary purposes, for a wheel diameter of 18 inches, the chocks  12 ,  14  may be formed with the radius R of 9 inches and the height H of 12-13.625 inches.  
     [0033] Each of the base surfaces  28  is preferably formed at least partially flat to define stable resting surfaces for the chocks  12 ,  14 . It is preferred that the pin passages  32  be formed at locations spaced from the resting surfaces defined by the base surfaces  28 . Accordingly, the bars  16  and the pins  18  can collectively generate counteracting moments defined against any movement of the wheel or wheels W. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, with movement of the wheel or wheels W in the direction  1 , a moment force will be applied against the chock  12  as represented by the arrow  2 . Because the pin  18  is located as such, a counteracting force represented by arrow  3  will be generated against the movement, resulting in a counteracting moment represented by arrow  4 . If the pin  18  were to be secured to the chock  12  at or in proximity to the base surface  28  of the chock  12 , the counteracting moment  4  would be negligible or nonexistent. With the spacing as discussed herein, a moment arm exists between the base surface  28  of the chock  12  and the pin  18 , allowing for a more meaningful counteracting moment  4  to be generated.  
     [0034] Other variations to the system  10  are possible. For example, more than two of the bars  16  and/or the pins  18  may be used with the subject invention, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5( a ), the chocks  12 ,  14  may include more than one of the pin passages  32  to allow for different positioning of the bars  16  and the pins  18 .  
     [0035] With reference to FIG. 6, in a second embodiment of the subject invention, an elongated flexible locking member  54 , such as a steel cable or a chain, may be threaded through one or more of the pin passages  32  of each of the chocks  12 ,  14  to provide a holding force therebetween. The flexible locking member  54  traverses a continuous path through both of the chocks  12 ,  14  and along the sides  22 ,  24  thereof. The flexible locking member  54  is preferably formed with sufficient length to define a loop where the ends  56  and  58  of the locking member  54  may be fastened, or even locked by a lock  60 , to retain the holding force. Preferably, the locking member  54  is disposed about the wheel or wheels W and not fixed thereto.  
     [0036] In a third embodiment of the subject invention, a system  100  is provided using one of the chocks  12 ,  14 . This embodiment is utilizable with wheel or wheels W having an open passage extending through its wheel axle(s). One of the pins  18  is passed through the open passage and fixed to one of the pins  18  extending through the adjacent chock  12 . The pins  18  are fixed together using the bars  16 , as described above with respect to the first embodiment. As a further variation, an elongated flexible locking member (as used with the second embodiment) may be used in the configuration of the third embodiment, in lieu of the pins  18  and the bars  16 .  
     [0037] With reference to FIGS.  8 ( a ) and  8 ( b ), the chocks  12 ,  14  of any of the above-described embodiments may be provided with ribs  62  and/or a carrying handle  64 . The ribs  62  are preferably formed integrally with the chocks  12 ,  14  such as being embossed thereon. The ribs  62  may protrude from the base surfaces  28  to enhance traction of the chocks  12 ,  14  against the ground and/or from the ramped surfaces  26  to enhance traction of the chocks  12 ,  14  against a wheel or wheels which are to be accommodated. The ribs  62  may be cross-sectionally formed in various configurations, but preferably are rectangular. Preferably, the ribs  62  are generally straight, spaced-apart and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chocks  12 ,  14 . Any number and arrangement of the ribs  62  may be provided as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.  
     [0038] The carrying handle  64  is a cut-out preferably recessed into an aft surface  66  of one or both of the chocks  12 ,  14  and preferably in proximity to the upper end  30 . The cut-out may extend all the way through the respective chock  12 ,  14 . The carrying handle  64  should have sufficient width and depth to allow a person to comfortably place a hand against the aft surface  66  and insert their finger tips into the carrying handle  64  to allow for manual transport thereof.  
     [0039] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, components of any of the above-described embodiments may be modularly formed or combined. For example, with reference to FIG. 9, the chocks  12 ,  14  may be formed from two or more components, such as side walls  68 , rear wall  70 , and one or more connecting rods  72 . The components are preferably formed to not be disassembled once assembled about a wheel or wheels which are to be accommodated. By way of non-limiting example, the rear wall  70  may have U-shaped tabs  74  formed to slide into channels  76  in the side walls  68 . With the rear wall  70 /side walls  68  assembly on the ground, the side walls  68  have portions nested in the tabs  74  with such nesting preventing transverse removal of the side wall(s)  68  from the rear wall  70 . In addition, the connecting rods  72  may have notches  73  to be received in locking channels  78 . Again, the nesting of the connecting rods  72  in the locking channels  78  prevents transverse removal of the side wall(s)  68  from the remainder of the assembly. With the entire assembly being about the accommodated wheel or wheels, the connecting rods  72  are preferably not removable, since the locking channels  78  preferably face inwardly.  
     [0040] In addition, one or more of the bars  16  may be formed unitarily with the chocks  12 ,  14 . For example, with reference to FIG. 9, the bars  16  may be formed unitarily with the side walls  68  of one of the chocks  12 ,  14 . With this arrangement, advantageously, only one of the pins  18  need be provided to extend through the free ends of the bars  16  and through the other of the chocks  12 ,  14 . To ensure sufficient transverse rigidity is provided to the chock  12 ,  14  which does not utilize the pin  18 , one or more support bars  79  may be used having notches  77  similar to the connecting rods  72 . The side walls  68  of the chock  12 ,  14  not utilizing the pin  18  may be formed with one or more support bar apertures  81  for receiving the support bar  79 . As shown in FIG. 9, the support bar apertures  81  each may have an enlarged portion  83 , through which the support bar  79  may pass, and an adjacent smaller receiving portion  85 , in which the notches  77  may nest.  
     [0041] In addition, the pins  18  need not be used with the bars  16  being directly fixed to the chocks  12 ,  14 . For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a protrusion  80  may extend from one or more the chocks  12 ,  14  onto which the locking holes  38  bar(s)  16  are received. The protrusion  80  may include a locking aperture  82  to receive the lock  52 .  
     [0042] Various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention. It is intended that all such changes and modifications come within the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.