Patent Description:
In environments, such as underground mining, it is common to provide a chock for traction devices (e.g., wheels) of machines, such as an underground wheel loader. A chock is commonly inserted and positioned into a gap divergent from a region of contact between the traction device and the underlying ground surface such that the chock may engage both the underlying ground surface and the traction device to arrest any undue motion of the traction device (or the machine) with respect to the underlying ground surface.

A chock may be provided in easy access to an operator of the machine so that the operator can access and use them readily, as and when required. For this purpose, end customers or machine dealers generally customize the mount and the location for the chock and install them at portions of the machine according to their discretion. While such customization may make the chock easily accessible to the operator, it fails to take into account situations where the chock or the associated mount for the chock may interfere with one or more functions, parts, or surroundings of the machine. Neither do such customization practices take into account operator or human ergonomics and ease of use.

<CIT> ('<NUM> reference) relates to a structure to detach and attach a chock to a mudguard fender of a machine. The machine may be a wheel loader. The `<NUM> reference also provides a step function that allows the driver to step on and off, in turn enabling the driver to safely move with respect to a cabin of the machine.

<CIT> describes a holding device for one or more wheel chocks of a vehicle.

<CIT> also describes a vehicle wheel chock the means for fixing it for storage.

In one aspect, the invention is directed to a wheel chock mounting assembly. The wheel chock mounting assembly includes a bracket and a stopper. The bracket has a retention member and is configured to be coupled to a surface of a machine. The bracket defines a receptacle to at least partially receive a wheel chock at a predefined location on the machine. The stopper has an engagement member, wherein the bracket and the stopper are structured and arranged to receive and constrain the wheel chock therebetween at the predefined location on the machine, characterised in that the stopper is configured to be mounted on the machine at a predefined distance from the bracket and the stopper comprises a V-shaped plate coupled to a base flange having a primary stem defining a primary surface and a secondary stem defining a secondary surface, the primary surface and the secondary surface being disposed angularly with respect to each other, the stopper being orientated when mounted such that the secondary surface is directed towards the receptacle and the primary surface is directed away from the receptacle, the primary surface configured to define a gradient with respect to the surface of the machine to slope upwards towards the receptacle.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a machine. The machine includes a fender at least partially surrounding a wheel of the machine, the fender defining a surface; a wheel chock mounting assembly according to the present invention, wherein the bracket and the stopper are structured and arranged to receive and constrain the wheel chock therebetween at the predefined location on the machine.

By way of clarification and for avoidance of doubt, as used herein and except where the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised", are not intended to exclude further additions components, integers or steps.

Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numbers may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts.

Referring to <FIG>, a machine <NUM> is shown. The machine <NUM> may be applied in a mining environment <NUM>, which may be an underground mining environment. It is possible for the machine <NUM> to be applied in other environments, such as over ground mining, construction, and transportation. The machine <NUM> may embody a load-haul-dump (LHD) machine <NUM>, as exemplarily shown. Further, the machine <NUM> may be either partly or fully powered by the combustion of fossil fuels, although it is possible for the machine <NUM> to be either partly or fully powered by electricity. The machine <NUM> may include a main frame assembly <NUM> that may include a split frame configuration enabling the machine <NUM> to acquire a forward portion <NUM> and a rearward portion <NUM> that are articulable with respect to each other (e.g., at a hitch j oint) (not shown). The forward portion <NUM> may define a forward end <NUM> of the machine <NUM>, while the rearward portion <NUM> may define a rearward end <NUM> of the machine <NUM>.

The forward portion <NUM> of the machine <NUM> may include an implement <NUM> by which an underlying ground surface <NUM> on which the machine <NUM> moves may be altered or modified. Alternatively, materials deposited on such an underlying ground surface <NUM> may be scooped and received into the implement <NUM> to be hauled - in the present embodiment, the implement <NUM> may include a bucket that may be movable or articulable so as to receive the materials so as to haul the materials. The rearward portion <NUM> of the machine <NUM> may include an operator cabin <NUM> and a power compartment <NUM> of the machine <NUM>. The operator cabin <NUM> may be configured to house and station one or more operators of the machine <NUM>, and may also include multiple input and output devices (e.g., joysticks, levers, control panels, touchscreens, etc.) (not shown) for the control of the many functions of the machine <NUM>, e.g., machine motion and implement actuation.

Further, the machine <NUM> may include one or more traction devices, such as wheels <NUM>. As an example, the machine <NUM> includes a set of forward wheels <NUM> and a set of rearward wheels <NUM>. The forward wheels <NUM> may be disposed towards the forward end <NUM> of the machine <NUM>, while the rearward wheels <NUM> may be disposed towards the rearward end <NUM> of the machine <NUM>. Only one forward wheel (i.e., forward wheel <NUM>') and one rearward wheel (i.e., rearward wheel <NUM>') is visible in the orientation of the machine <NUM> in <FIG>. As shown, both the forward wheel <NUM>' and the rearward wheel <NUM>' are disposed towards a left hand side <NUM> of the machine <NUM>, while the forward wheel and the rearward wheel disposed towards a right hand side <NUM> of the machine <NUM> are the ones which are not visible in the orientation of the machine <NUM> in <FIG>.

While discussion in the present invention are generally directed towards the machine <NUM>, which may be the LHD machine <NUM>, it will be appreciated that one or more aspects of these discussions may also be applicable to other machines that may be supported and driven on traction devices, such as the forward wheels <NUM>. The representation of the LHD machine <NUM> also need to be viewed as a non-limiting example, and the machine <NUM> may represent other types of the LHD machine <NUM>.

Further, unless specified otherwise, terms such as 'forward', 'front', 'rear', 'rearward', as may be used in the present invention may be understood according to an exemplary direction, T, in which the machine <NUM> may move during operations. Said exemplary direction, T, is defined from the rearward end <NUM> towards the forward end <NUM> of the machine <NUM>. Further, terms, such as 'left', 'right', 'top', 'bottom' 'upper', 'lower', and similar terms, may also be used in the present invention, and may be understood when viewing the machine <NUM> from the rearward end <NUM> towards the forward end <NUM> (i.e., along the exemplary direction, T).

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in conjunction with <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the machine <NUM> includes a fender assembly <NUM> for the forward wheel <NUM>'. A similar fender assembly (not visible) may also be available for the forward wheel that is disposed towards the right hand side <NUM> of the machine <NUM>. Discussions related to the fender assembly <NUM> may also be applicable for the fender assembly for the forward wheel disposed towards the right hand side <NUM> of the machine <NUM>. The fender assembly <NUM> includes a fender <NUM>, details related to which are set out below. For ease, the forward wheel <NUM>' will be referred to as a wheel <NUM>', hereinafter.

The fender <NUM> at least partially surrounds the wheel <NUM>'. In other words, the fender <NUM> at least partially runs or spans around a circumferential profile or a circular profile <NUM> of the wheel <NUM>', i.e., around an axis <NUM> defined by the wheel <NUM>' (see <FIG>). Further, the fender <NUM> defines a surface <NUM>. The surface <NUM> is disposed or directed away from the wheel <NUM>'. In some embodiments, the surface <NUM> may be disposed angularly with respect to a height, H, (see <FIG>) of the machine <NUM> and may be positioned at least halfway above the circular profile <NUM> defined by the wheel <NUM>' (best visualizable in <FIG>).

As an exemplarily structure of the fender <NUM>, the fender <NUM> may define multiple portions, for example, the fender <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM>, a second portion <NUM>, and a third portion <NUM>, as shown (see <FIG>). The second portion <NUM> may extend between the first portion <NUM> and the third portion <NUM>. Additional portions and panels may be present on the fender <NUM>, but they are not discussed, as they may be customary and/or may be contemplated by someone of skill in the art.

The first portion <NUM> may extend generally (i.e., not necessarily strictly) along the height, H, of the machine <NUM>; the second portion <NUM> may extend generally obliquely from the first portion <NUM>; and the third portion <NUM> may extend generally obliquely from the second portion <NUM>. An overall profile attained by the first portion <NUM>, second portion <NUM>, and the third portion <NUM> of the fender <NUM>, may generally conform and/or follow a curvature defined by the circular profile <NUM> of the wheel <NUM>'. Further, in some embodiments, the third portion <NUM> may be disposed generally orthogonally with respect to the first portion <NUM> and/or may be generally disposed at a right angle with respect to the height, H, of the machine <NUM>. Further, the second portion <NUM> and the third portion <NUM>, along with the first portion <NUM> (either partly or fully), may be disposed at least halfway above the circular profile <NUM> defined by the wheel <NUM>', with the surface <NUM> of the fender <NUM> being defined on the second portion <NUM> of the fender <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The term 'generally' or 'general', as used in the present invention, is applied to account for one or more of manufacturing tolerances, variations arising out of aesthetic or design considerations, spatial constraints, machine surroundings, and the like, as they may be applicable in actual application, and is simply used herein to indicate one or more non-limiting examples for the configuration of the fender <NUM>. Therefore, the configuration and structure of the fender <NUM> as has been discussed above need to be viewed as exemplary.

With continued reference to <FIG> and in conjunction with <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the machine <NUM> further includes a wheel chock mounting assembly <NUM>. The wheel chock mounting assembly <NUM> facilitates a wheel chock <NUM> to be mounted at a predefined location <NUM> (see <FIG>) on the machine <NUM>. The wheel chock <NUM> may be applied to restrict or arrest a motion of the machine <NUM> with respect to the underlying ground surface <NUM>. According to an example, the wheel chock <NUM> may be inserted and seated into a gap (not shown) divergent from a region of contact between the wheel <NUM>' and the underlying ground surface <NUM> such that the wheel chock <NUM> may engage both the underlying ground surface <NUM> and the wheel <NUM>' to arrest any motion of the wheel <NUM>' (or the machine <NUM>) with respect to the underlying ground surface <NUM>. The wheel chock mounting assembly <NUM> includes a bracket <NUM> and a stopper <NUM>, as shown.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the bracket <NUM> is configured to be coupled to the surface <NUM> of the fender <NUM> of the machine <NUM>. According to one or more aspects of the present invention, the surface <NUM> defined on the fender <NUM> corresponds to the predefined location <NUM> on the machine <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> defines a receptacle <NUM> to at least partially receive the wheel chock <NUM> at the predefined location <NUM>. To this end, a profile of the receptacle <NUM> may match and/or be formed in conformity to a portion (e.g., a nose portion <NUM>, see <FIG>) of the wheel chock <NUM>, so that the receptacle <NUM> may receive and accommodate said portion therein. The bracket <NUM> defines a base wall <NUM>, and further defines a first side wall <NUM> and a second side wall <NUM> each of which extend from the base wall <NUM>. The first side wall <NUM> and the second side wall <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other, and together, the base wall <NUM>, first side wall <NUM>, and the second side wall <NUM> may impart a U-shaped profile to the bracket <NUM> and/or to the receptacle <NUM> defined by the bracket <NUM> - in this regard, it may be noted that the receptacle <NUM> may be defined by a space <NUM> partially encapsulated by the base wall <NUM>, the first side wall <NUM>, and the second side wall <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first side wall <NUM> and the second side wall <NUM> may extend upright with respect to the base wall <NUM>.

The base wall <NUM>, the first side wall <NUM>, and the second side wall <NUM>, may be integrally formed, such as from a single, continuous piece of sheet metal. For example, such a sheet metal may define three sequentially arranged sheet metal portions disposed one after the other, and, to form the bracket <NUM>, each sheet metal portion may be bent with respect to the consecutive sheet metal portion so as to arrive at the configuration of the bracket <NUM> discussed above. Alternatively, the bracket <NUM> may be made from one or more other materials, such as high grade plastics, polymers, or composites, either alone or in combination with each other, and the manner of making the bracket <NUM> from such other materials may be contemplated by one of skill in the art.

In some embodiments, the bracket <NUM>, i.e., the base wall <NUM>, the first side wall <NUM>, and the second side wall <NUM>, may combinedly define a first continuous edge end <NUM> and a second continuous edge end <NUM>. The second continuous edge end <NUM> may be defined opposite to the first continuous edge end <NUM>. As shown, the first continuous edge end <NUM> may define a mouth <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> through which the wheel chock <NUM> (i.e., at least the nose portion <NUM>) may be inserted and received into the receptacle <NUM>.

The first side wall <NUM> and the second side wall <NUM> respectively define a first edge portion <NUM> and a second edge portion <NUM>. Each of the first edge portion <NUM> and the second edge portion <NUM> may be configured to be abutted or seated against the surface <NUM> of the fender <NUM> to be coupled to the surface <NUM> of the fender <NUM>. As an example, the first edge portion <NUM> and the second edge portion <NUM> may be each defined along a common plane <NUM> (see <FIG>) and the base wall <NUM> may be disposed in a base plane <NUM>, and, also, may be angularly disposed with respect to the common plane <NUM> such that a distance, Dl, between the common plane <NUM> and the base wall <NUM> is larger at the first continuous edge end <NUM> than the distance between the common plane <NUM> and the base wall <NUM> at the second continuous edge end <NUM> (see <FIG>).

According to some embodiments, the bracket <NUM> may define a first flange <NUM> and a second flange <NUM>. The first flange <NUM> may be arranged at the first edge portion <NUM>, while the second flange <NUM> may be arranged at the second edge portion <NUM>. In some embodiment, the first flange <NUM> and the second flange <NUM> may be formed integrally with the bracket <NUM>, as well, and may form part of the same sheet metal from which the base wall <NUM>, the first side wall <NUM> and the second side wall <NUM> may be formed. Alternatively, the first flange <NUM> and the second flange <NUM> may be fastened (e.g., by welding) to the first edge portion <NUM> and the second edge portion <NUM>.

Further, the bracket <NUM> may include a retention member <NUM> that may include a pin or a peg <NUM>. The retention member <NUM> or the peg <NUM> may be arranged on the base wall <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>, and may be disposed outwardly, i.e., away from the space <NUM> partially encapsulated by the base wall <NUM>, the first side wall <NUM>, and the second side wall <NUM> so as to save the receptacle <NUM> from any obstruction and from interference as and when the wheel chock <NUM> is inserted and received into the receptacle <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the stopper <NUM> includes a bent plate or a V-shaped plate <NUM>. The V-shaped plate <NUM> defines a primary stem <NUM> and a secondary stem <NUM>. The secondary stem <NUM> extends obliquely from the primary stem <NUM>, as shown. The primary stem <NUM> and the secondary stem <NUM> define a V-shaped recess <NUM>. The primary stem <NUM> defines a primary surface <NUM> and the secondary stem <NUM> defines a secondary surface <NUM>. Both the primary surface <NUM> and the secondary surface <NUM> are directed away and outwardly of the V-shaped recess <NUM> defined by the V-shaped plate <NUM>. Given the V-shaped configuration of the V-shaped plate <NUM>, the primary surface <NUM> and the secondary surface <NUM> are disposed angularly with respect to each other, and meet each other at an edge <NUM>, as shown, where the primary stem <NUM> and the secondary stem <NUM> meet, as well.

The stopper <NUM> is configured to be mounted to the surface <NUM> of the fender <NUM> of the machine <NUM> such that the secondary surface <NUM> is directed towards the receptacle <NUM> (i.e., towards the first continuous edge end <NUM> or towards the mouth <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>) and the primary surface <NUM> is directed away from the receptacle <NUM> (i.e., away from the first continuous edge end <NUM> or from the mouth <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>). Further, the stopper <NUM> may be mounted at a predefined distance from the bracket <NUM>, with both the bracket <NUM> and the stopper <NUM> being structured and arranged to receive and constrain the wheel chock <NUM> therebetween at the predefined location <NUM> on the machine <NUM>.

The primary surface <NUM> is configured to define a gradient, G, (see <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) with respect to the surface <NUM> to slope upwards towards the receptacle <NUM> (or towards the mouth <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>). In some embodiments, an angle defined by the gradient, G, with respect to the surface <NUM> may take any value within a range of <NUM> - <NUM> degrees. Further, the secondary surface <NUM> may be configured to extend upright (i.e., orthogonally) with respect to the surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the secondary surface <NUM> may define an angle with respect to the surface <NUM> anywhere within a range of <NUM> - <NUM> degrees.

The stopper <NUM> may further include a base flange <NUM>. The base flange <NUM> may be coupled to the V-shaped plate <NUM>, such that as the V-shaped plate <NUM> may be coupled or seated against the base flange <NUM> to assume an inverted configuration with respect to the base flange <NUM>. In so doing, the edge <NUM> (defined at a junction where the primary surface <NUM> and the secondary surface <NUM> meet) may be directed away to be remote to the base flange <NUM>. Further, the stopper <NUM> may include an engagement member <NUM> in the form of a notch <NUM>. The engagement member <NUM> or the notch <NUM> may take the shape of a cutout formed on the primary stem <NUM>. Said cutout may be disposed closer, and/or may be open towards the base flange <NUM>, as shown.

Although not limited, the stopper <NUM> and the base flange <NUM> may be made from the same material as the bracket <NUM> and may define the same general thickness and/or material specification as the bracket <NUM>. If a metallic material is chosen to form the stopper <NUM>, the V-shaped plate <NUM> may be welded to the base flange <NUM>. Alternatively, if materials such as plastics, polymers, or composites, are chosen to form to the stopper <NUM>, the stopper <NUM> may be formed by casting such materials in a single mold.

The wheel chock mounting assembly <NUM> may further include fasteners <NUM>, e.g., six fasteners. Two of the fasteners <NUM> may be applied to be driven through the first flange <NUM> and be engaged with the second portion <NUM> of the fender <NUM> and so that the first edge portion <NUM> may be coupled and seated atop the surface <NUM> of the fender <NUM>; and two of the fasteners <NUM> (not shown) may be applied to be driven through the second flange <NUM> and be engaged with the second portion <NUM> of the fender <NUM> and so that the second edge portion <NUM> may also be coupled and seated atop the surface <NUM> of the fender <NUM>. In that manner, the bracket <NUM> may be coupled to the surface <NUM> of the fender <NUM>. Further, two of the remaining fasteners <NUM> may be applied to be driven through the base flange <NUM> and be engaged with the second portion <NUM> of the fender <NUM> and so that the stopper <NUM> may be coupled and seated atop the surface <NUM> of the fender <NUM>, as well, with the V-shaped plate <NUM> assuming an inverted configuration also with respect to the surface <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the wheel chock mounting assembly <NUM> may further include a strap <NUM>. The strap <NUM> may be coupled to each of the bracket <NUM> and the stopper <NUM> so as to be extended therebetween. As an example, the strap <NUM> may be made from a resilient material and may be stretchable and may be coupled and retained (e.g., fixedly or permanently by being wrapped around and sewn) to the peg <NUM> at one end <NUM> and at the other end <NUM>, may include a hook <NUM>. The strap <NUM> may be stretched so as to have its other end <NUM>, with the hook <NUM>, engage and couple (e.g., removably) to the engagement member <NUM> or the notch <NUM> of the stopper <NUM> to secure the wheel chock <NUM> between the bracket <NUM> and the stopper <NUM>. Variation in the design and functioning of the strap <NUM> may be contemplated by someone of skill in the art.

During an assembly of the wheel chock mounting assembly <NUM> to the machine <NUM>, an operator may first choose and locate the surface <NUM> of the fender <NUM> for the mounting of the wheel chock <NUM>. Once the surface <NUM> is located, an operator may bring forth the bracket <NUM> and may position the bracket <NUM> atop the surface <NUM> such that the first edge portion <NUM> and the second edge portion <NUM> (or the first flange <NUM> and the second flange <NUM>) may face or be directed towards and be seated or abutted against the surface <NUM>. In so doing, the U-shaped profile of the bracket <NUM> may assume an inverted configuration with respect to the surface <NUM> or with respect to the second portion <NUM> of the fender <NUM>. Also, in process, the operator may ensure that the mouth <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> may be directed away or oppositely to the forward end <NUM> of the forward portion <NUM> of the machine <NUM>.

Thereafter, the operator may bring forth the fasteners <NUM> and may fasten the first flange <NUM> and the second flange <NUM> against the surface <NUM> (e.g., two fasteners <NUM> for fastening the first flange <NUM> against the surface <NUM> and two fasteners <NUM> to fasten the second flange <NUM> against the surface <NUM>). In this regard, holes <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be provided in the first flange <NUM> and the second flange <NUM>, and, correspondingly, openings (not shown) may be provided in the surface <NUM>, such that the holes <NUM> may be aligned with the openings during the assembly to allow the fasteners <NUM> to be driven through the flanges (i.e., the first flange <NUM> and the second flange <NUM>) and the surface <NUM> (or the second portion <NUM> of the fender <NUM>). In that manner, the operator mounts the first flange <NUM> and the second flange <NUM> on the surface <NUM> and immovably couples the bracket <NUM> to the surface <NUM>.

Once the bracket <NUM> is coupled to the surface <NUM>, the operator may bring forth the stopper <NUM> and may place the stopper <NUM> on the fender <NUM> with its base flange <NUM> directed towards and seated on the surface <NUM> of the fender <NUM>. Also, the stopper <NUM> may be placed at a predefined distance (visualized by space <NUM>, <FIG>) from the bracket <NUM> - the term "predefined distance' may refer to a distance between the bracket <NUM> and the stopper <NUM>, a maintenance of which causes the nose portion <NUM> of the wheel chock <NUM> to be nestled within the receptacle <NUM> and a portion of the wheel chock <NUM> to be disposed outside the receptacle <NUM> to abut and rest against the stopper <NUM> (see <FIG>), when the wheel chock <NUM> is received and constrained in between the bracket <NUM> and the stopper <NUM>.

Additionally, at this point, the operator may ensure that the secondary surface <NUM> is facing or is directed towards the mouth <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> and the primary surface <NUM> is facing away from or oppositely to the receptacle <NUM>. Thereafter, the operator may bring forth the two of the remaining fasteners <NUM> (out of the six fasteners) and may fasten the base flange <NUM> against the surface <NUM>. To this end, holes <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be provided in the base flange <NUM> and corresponding openings (not shown) may be provided in the surface <NUM>, such that said holes <NUM> may be aligned with said openings to allow the two fasteners <NUM> to be driven through the base flange <NUM> and the surface <NUM> (or the second portion <NUM> of the fender <NUM>). In that manner, the operator mounts the base flange <NUM> on the surface <NUM> and immovably couples the stopper <NUM> to the surface <NUM>.

Further, the operator may bring forth and provide the strap <NUM>, and may retain one end <NUM> of the strap <NUM> (e.g., fixedly by sewing) to the peg <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>, and may stretch the other end <NUM> so that the hook <NUM> may be extended and brought into engagement with the notch <NUM> of the stopper <NUM>. At this point, an exemplary assembly process involving the mounting of the wheel chock mounting assembly <NUM> to the machine <NUM> (or to the surface <NUM> of the fender <NUM> of the machine <NUM>) at the predefined location <NUM> is attained.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, an exemplary mounting process of the wheel chock <NUM> to the wheel chock mounting assembly <NUM> is discussed. At first, the operator may unfasten the strap <NUM> by disengaging the hook <NUM> from the notch <NUM> to free up a space <NUM> (see <FIG>) defined in between the bracket <NUM> and the stopper <NUM> for an entry of the wheel chock <NUM> into the space <NUM>. Next, the operator may grasp the wheel chock <NUM> (e.g., the wheel chock <NUM> may include a handle by which it may be grasped or held by an operator, see <FIG>) and may position the nose portion <NUM> to be inserted into the receptacle <NUM> over the stopper <NUM> or the edge <NUM> defined by the stopper <NUM> (<FIG>). Once the wheel chock <NUM> is positioned in that manner, the operator may push the wheel chock <NUM> forward (see direction, A). A corresponding pushing action (i.e., direction, A) may be envisioned as being executed towards the forward end <NUM> of the forward portion <NUM> of the machine <NUM>. At this point, the gradient, G, defined by the primary surface <NUM> may ease out and aid the pushing action. As the pushing is advanced, the nose portion <NUM> of the wheel chock <NUM> enters into the receptacle <NUM> (direction, B, see <FIG>).

A continued push causes the wheel chock <NUM> to eventually fall and snap into the space <NUM> defined in between the bracket <NUM> and the stopper <NUM> (direction C, see <FIG>), with a portion of the wheel chock <NUM> disposed outside the receptacle <NUM> abutting and resting against the secondary surface <NUM> (see <FIG>). The generally upright extension of the secondary surface <NUM> with respect to the surface <NUM> (or with respect to the base flange <NUM>) aids in retaining the wheel chock <NUM> within the space <NUM> and disallows the wheel chock <NUM> from slipping out of the space <NUM> under gravity.

Thereafter, the operator may pull over the strap <NUM> retained at the bracket <NUM> (or at the peg <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>) to wrap over the wheel chock <NUM>, stretch it towards the stopper <NUM>, and extend the hook <NUM> so that it may be pulled further into engagement with the notch <NUM> defined by the stopper <NUM>. In that manner, the wheel chock <NUM> may be mounted and secured into the wheel chock mounting assembly <NUM> (i.e., the wheel chock <NUM> may be secured between the bracket <NUM> and the stopper <NUM>). Effectively, it may be noted that the bracket <NUM> and the stopper <NUM> are structured and arranged to receive and constrain the wheel chock <NUM> therebetween at the predefined location <NUM> on the machine <NUM>. A process to remove the wheel chock <NUM> from the wheel chock mounting assembly <NUM> may be contemplated in reverse to said exemplary mounting process, discussed above.

The wheel chock mounting assembly <NUM> as defined by the components, i.e., the bracket <NUM>, the stopper <NUM>, and optionally the strap <NUM>, is simple in construction, portable to handle, easy to assemble, and is effective in retaining the wheel chock <NUM> to the machine <NUM>. Further, the location of the wheel chock mounting assembly <NUM> aids in enhancing human/operator comfort and ergonomics, in that neither is the chosen location on the fender <NUM> too high or too low for a human subject to access. Rather, the location meets the standards promulgated and set forth by various mandates and guidelines to mount and access one or more machine accessories, such as the wheel chock <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A wheel chock mounting assembly (<NUM>), comprising:
a bracket (<NUM>) having a retention member (<NUM>), the bracket (<NUM>) configured to be coupled to a surface (<NUM>) of a machine (<NUM>) and defining a receptacle (<NUM>) to at least partially receive a wheel chock (<NUM>) at a predefined location (<NUM>) on the machine (<NUM>); and
a stopper (<NUM>) having an engagement member (<NUM>), , wherein
the bracket (<NUM>) and the stopper (<NUM>) are structured and arranged to receive and constrain the wheel chock (<NUM>) therebetween at the predefined location (<NUM>) on the machine (<NUM>),
characterised in that the stopper (<NUM>) is configured to be mounted on the machine (<NUM>) at a predefined distance from the bracket (<NUM>) and the stopper (<NUM>) comprises a V-shaped plate (<NUM>) coupled to a base flange (<NUM>) having a primary stem (<NUM>) defining a primary surface (<NUM>) and a secondary stem (<NUM>) defining a secondary surface (<NUM>), the primary surface (<NUM>) and the secondary surface (<NUM>) being disposed angularly with respect to each other, the stopper (<NUM>) being orientated when mounted such that the secondary surface (<NUM>) is directed towards the receptacle (<NUM>) and the primary surface (<NUM>) is directed away from the receptacle (<NUM>), the primary surface (<NUM>) configured to define a gradient with respect to the surface (<NUM>) of the machine (<NUM>) to slope upwards towards the receptacle (<NUM>).