Over-center clamping wheel chocks
AssigneeProgress Mfg. Inc.
InventorGary Scott
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A wheel chock system for preventing movement of one or more wheels. The system may include a pair of chocks for clamping onto one or more wheels. The chocks may be connected through a linkage mechanism that can be rotated to draw the chocks together or move the chocks further apart. A handle may be attached to the linkage mechanism for moving the chock system from a blocking position to a released position. The handle may be configured to stand upright such that the chock system can be installed and removed by a user in a standing position without the need to bend or crouch. One embodiment of the chock system may be attachable to two different wheels in a tandem wheel arrangement, whereas another embodiment of the chock system may be configured to clamp onto a single wheel.
Claims71
A wheel chock system comprising:
- a first chock and a second chock for restraining movement of one or more wheels;
- a linkage mechanism rotatably connected to at least one of said first chock and said second chock, said linkage mechanism being adjustable to move said first chock and said second chock between a blocking position and a released position;
- and
- a handle attached to said linkage mechanism, said handle extending upwardly to allow a user to adjust said linkage mechanism while said user is in a standing position.
A wheel chock system comprising:
- chock means for restraining movement of one or more wheels;
- linkage means for adjusting said chock means between a blocking position and a released position;
- and
- flexible means for adjusting said linkage means between said blocking position and said released position while a user is in a standing position.
A wheel chock system comprising:
- a first chock and a second chock for restraining movement of one or more wheels;
- a linkage mechanism for adjusting said first chock and said second chock between a blocking position and a released position, said linkage mechanism comprising a first lever attached to said first chock, and a second lever attached to said second chock;
- wherein at least one of said first lever and said second lever is pivotally attached to said first chock and said second chock, respectively, and wherein said first lever is pivotally attached to said second lever.
A wheel chock system comprising:
- a first chock and a second chock for restraining movement of one or more wheels;
- a linkage mechanism for adjusting said first chock and said second chock between a blocking position and a released position, said linkage mechanism comprising a first lever attached to said first chock, a second lever attached to said second chock, and a third lever attached to said first lever and said second lever;
- and
- an actuator joined to said third lever for receiving a force to move said linkage mechanism between said released position and said blocking position.
A wheel chock system comprising:
- a first chock and a second chock for restraining movement of one or more wheels;
- a linkage connected to said first chock and said second chock, said linkage being adjustable to move said first chock and said second chock between a blocking position and a released position;
- and
- a lock hole in at least one of said first chock and said second chock, said lock hole configured for receiving a stop to contact said linkage to block movement of said linkage.
A wheel chock system comprising:
- a first chock and a second chock for restraining movement of one or more wheels, said first chock and said second chock each comprising a base for supporting the chocks on a ground surface, a blocking surface for contacting one or more wheels, and a support surface between said base and said blocking surface;
- and
- a linkage connected to said first chock and said second chock, said linkage being adjustable to move said first chock and said second chock between a blocking position and a released position;
- wherein at least one of said first chock and said second chock comprises a turn between the base and the support surface such that a transition between the base and the support surface is characterized by an absence of an abrupt edge.
A wheel chock system comprising:
- a first chock and a second chock for restraining movement of one or more wheels;
- and
- a linkage connected to said first chock and said second chock, said linkage being adjustable to move said first chock and said second chock between a blocking position and a released position, said linkage comprising a pivot for removably connecting said linkage to adjust a length of said linkage;
- wherein said pivot comprises a pin characterized by an absence of threads.
A method for blocking movement of one or more wheels, said method comprising:
- connecting a pair of chocks together with a first lever and a second lever;
- placing said pair of chocks against said one or more wheels;
- rotating said first lever and said second lever to clamp said pair of chocks onto said one or more wheels;
- and
- , releasing said pair of chocks from said wheels while remaining in a standing position.
A method for blocking movement of one or more wheels, said method comprising:
- providing two chocks for positioning against said one or more wheels;
- intercoupling the chocks with a linkage;
- adjusting an extent said chocks can move with respect to each other;
- and
- applying a force to said linkage to thereby rotate at least a portion of said linkage with respect to at least one of said chocks and to advance the chocks in opposing directions into contact with said one or more wheels.
A method for blocking movement of one or more wheels, said method comprising:
- joining a first chock to a first lever and a second chock to a second lever;
- folding said first lever with respect to said second lever such that said second chock extends beyond said first chock;
- contacting said second chock on a surface and moving said first chock away from said second chock to position said first chock and said second chock with respect to said one or more wheels;
- and
- clamping said first chock and said second chock on said one or more wheels.
A method for blocking movement of one or more wheels, said method comprising:
- joining a first chock to a first lever and a second chock to a second lever;
- rotating said first chock with respect to said first lever and said second chock with respect to said second lever to orient said first chock and said second chock for placement on a surface;
- placing said first chock and said second chock on said surface;
- and
- clamping said first chock and said second chock on said one or more wheels.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.