Releasable locking device

Abstract

A releasable locking device is provided which is particularly suitable for retaining a parked vehicle against a loading dock or the like during loading or unloading thereof. The device includes a pivotally mounted hook-like member movable between operative and inoperative modes. The member is secured to the front side of the loading dock by a carriage having a first section on which the hook-like member is mounted, and a second section affixed to the dock front side. The first section is adjustable relative to the second section in a substantially vertical plane. The first section is biased to normally assume a predetermined rest position which is at a maximum elevation with respect to the roadway supporting the vehicle. A reversible electric motor is mounted on the carriage first section and actuates the hook-like member between the operative and inoperative modes. When in an operative mode, the hook-like member interlockingly engages the parked vehicle. When in an inoperative mode, the hook-like member assumes a vehicle-release position. Manual controls are provided for regulating the operation of the motor. The carriage first section includes an outwardly projecting cam segment which is engaged by the vehicle when being maneuvered into a parked position and will cause the first section to move vertically downwardly thereby enabling the member to interlockingly engage the vehicle in response to the manual controls.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.