CA2494898C - Wheel chocking system for arresting road vehicles during transportation - Google Patents
Wheel chocking system for arresting road vehicles during transportation Download PDFInfo
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- CA2494898C CA2494898C CA002494898A CA2494898A CA2494898C CA 2494898 C CA2494898 C CA 2494898C CA 002494898 A CA002494898 A CA 002494898A CA 2494898 A CA2494898 A CA 2494898A CA 2494898 C CA2494898 C CA 2494898C
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- parallel rods
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- chock
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Abstract
A grating member for use in combination with a wheel chocking system for restraining road vehicles being transported in a transport vehicle is described. The grating member comprises an elongated rectangular deck section having a substantially planar upper support structure formed from connected, equidistantly spaced, perpendicular first and second sets of parallel rods defining therebetween rectangular openings for receiving disengageable wheel chocks. The first set of parallel rods contain upwardly formed portions between each of the second set of parallel rods. The upwardly formed portions define a portion of the upper support structure such that the upper support structure is substantially free of trip hazards and further provides lateral engagement surfaces for arresting studs and clamping teeth of the disengageable wheel chock whereby to prevent lateral movement thereof relative to the grating. The longitudinal rods also provide engagement surfaces for the arresting study of the disengageable wheel chock to prevent longitudinal movement thereof.
Description
WHEEL CHOCKING SYSTEM FOR ARRESTING
ROAD VEHICLES DURIn'G TRANSPORTATION
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a division of Application Ser. No. 2,131,193, filed FebrL.ary 26, 1993.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a wheel to chocking system for arresting :=oad vehicles transported on flatbeds or other similar transport vehicles. More particularly, the present inv~sntion relates to a device having a plurality of chock members detachably secured to a grating provided on a support surface of the vehicle at defined locations. The chocl~: comprises an angled face plate for alignments with a tire of an associated wheel of the vehicle positioned on the grating, restraining movement thereof. A load transmitting member transfers the load applied to the face plate onto the grating and a 2o paddle-shaped restraining member prevents lateral shifting of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND ART
Various anchoring systems are known for securing road vehicles transported o:Z flatbed type transport vehicles to prevent shifting o:E those vehicles during the transportation. The most common system is to "tie down"
the vehicle using chains conr..ected to steel runners in the support surface, eg. the floor of a railway 3o flatbed vehicle. A ratchet tool is required in order to secure these chains taut. In an attempt to resolve some of the difficulties in the installation of such anchoring systems, other whee:_ chocking assemblies have been developed including e.~ those disclosed in U.S. Patents 4,659,266 and 4,66.3,140. However, although these systems can be in stalled more rapidly onto a rail system provided on the transport surface of the flatbed, they utilize winch mechanisms and harnesses which must be fitted over the vehicle tires to restrain movement of the vehicle.
French Patent Na. FR-A-2 584 664 relates to a wheel shocking system wherein the wheel of a vehicle is restrained bar an elevated rod which may be angulated. The load of the vehicle is 10 transmitted to the floor by vertically extending arms and this does not provide for effective load transfer but causes a wedging action. German Patent DE-A-1 265 771 snows a further chock design where again effective lead transfer from the tire 15 engaging plate to the floor is not effectively provided.
Other disadvantages of the wheel shocking systems in the prior art is that they cannot be readily adapted to different axle spacing to 20 double-wheel axles, or to very small or large wheels openings in the vehicle side sheeting project downwardly close to or below the level of the top of the tire. Known chock systems can also become jammed between i:he vehicle tire arid the 25 floor due to vehicle ;shifting during transport requiring movement of thc~ vehicle prior to removal of the chock.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
30 Accordingly it i:~ an object of the present invention to provide a wheel shocking system for restraining road vehicles transported on flatbed surfaces of transport vehicles which substantially overcomes all of the abo~~e-mentioned disadvantages 35 of the prior art.
-2a-Another object of the present invention is to provide a wheel checking system which further utilizes at least four chocks associated with at least four wheels of a vehicle being transported to 5 provide a balance restraint relative to the center of gravity of the vehicle and eliminate the effects of extreme lateral forces, induced by longitudinal forces caused by rocking of the transport vehicle, and inherent to chockir~g systems of the prior art 10 wherein only the wheel: on one side of a vehicle are restrained.
ROAD VEHICLES DURIn'G TRANSPORTATION
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a division of Application Ser. No. 2,131,193, filed FebrL.ary 26, 1993.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a wheel to chocking system for arresting :=oad vehicles transported on flatbeds or other similar transport vehicles. More particularly, the present inv~sntion relates to a device having a plurality of chock members detachably secured to a grating provided on a support surface of the vehicle at defined locations. The chocl~: comprises an angled face plate for alignments with a tire of an associated wheel of the vehicle positioned on the grating, restraining movement thereof. A load transmitting member transfers the load applied to the face plate onto the grating and a 2o paddle-shaped restraining member prevents lateral shifting of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND ART
Various anchoring systems are known for securing road vehicles transported o:Z flatbed type transport vehicles to prevent shifting o:E those vehicles during the transportation. The most common system is to "tie down"
the vehicle using chains conr..ected to steel runners in the support surface, eg. the floor of a railway 3o flatbed vehicle. A ratchet tool is required in order to secure these chains taut. In an attempt to resolve some of the difficulties in the installation of such anchoring systems, other whee:_ chocking assemblies have been developed including e.~ those disclosed in U.S. Patents 4,659,266 and 4,66.3,140. However, although these systems can be in stalled more rapidly onto a rail system provided on the transport surface of the flatbed, they utilize winch mechanisms and harnesses which must be fitted over the vehicle tires to restrain movement of the vehicle.
French Patent Na. FR-A-2 584 664 relates to a wheel shocking system wherein the wheel of a vehicle is restrained bar an elevated rod which may be angulated. The load of the vehicle is 10 transmitted to the floor by vertically extending arms and this does not provide for effective load transfer but causes a wedging action. German Patent DE-A-1 265 771 snows a further chock design where again effective lead transfer from the tire 15 engaging plate to the floor is not effectively provided.
Other disadvantages of the wheel shocking systems in the prior art is that they cannot be readily adapted to different axle spacing to 20 double-wheel axles, or to very small or large wheels openings in the vehicle side sheeting project downwardly close to or below the level of the top of the tire. Known chock systems can also become jammed between i:he vehicle tire arid the 25 floor due to vehicle ;shifting during transport requiring movement of thc~ vehicle prior to removal of the chock.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
30 Accordingly it i:~ an object of the present invention to provide a wheel shocking system for restraining road vehicles transported on flatbed surfaces of transport vehicles which substantially overcomes all of the abo~~e-mentioned disadvantages 35 of the prior art.
-2a-Another object of the present invention is to provide a wheel checking system which further utilizes at least four chocks associated with at least four wheels of a vehicle being transported to 5 provide a balance restraint relative to the center of gravity of the vehicle and eliminate the effects of extreme lateral forces, induced by longitudinal forces caused by rocking of the transport vehicle, and inherent to chockir~g systems of the prior art 10 wherein only the wheel: on one side of a vehicle are restrained.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a wheel chocking system wherein the chock is provided with an angled face plate vertically adjustable ~o provide effective chocking 5 restraint for all tire sizes commonly encountered.
An additional object of the present invention is to prov~.de a wheel chocking system wherein the chocks are provided with a paddle-shaped 10 member extending laterally to the vehicle tire which is adjustable verticall~~ to provide lateral restraint at an appropriate height on the tire of the vehicle being transported.
15 Still another object of~ the present invention is to provi3e a wheel chocking system wherein the chock system does not require restraining straps or harnesses due to its vertical adjustability 20 and lateral restraint capability.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a wheel chocking system wherein the chocks are easy to install at virtually any desired 25 location on a grating disposed on a support surface of a transport vehicle and which requires no tools for its installation or removal..
An additional. object of the present 30 invention is to provicle a wheel chocking system wherein the chocks are constructed of lightweight material and are easy to manually transport and store.
35 A further object of the present invention is to provide a wheel shocking system wherein the grating provided on the ;support surface is hinged to provide convenience in cleaning and and snow cr 40 debris removal.
An additional object of the present invention is to prov~.de a wheel chocking system wherein the chocks are provided with a paddle-shaped 10 member extending laterally to the vehicle tire which is adjustable verticall~~ to provide lateral restraint at an appropriate height on the tire of the vehicle being transported.
15 Still another object of~ the present invention is to provi3e a wheel chocking system wherein the chock system does not require restraining straps or harnesses due to its vertical adjustability 20 and lateral restraint capability.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a wheel chocking system wherein the chocks are easy to install at virtually any desired 25 location on a grating disposed on a support surface of a transport vehicle and which requires no tools for its installation or removal..
An additional. object of the present 30 invention is to provicle a wheel chocking system wherein the chocks are constructed of lightweight material and are easy to manually transport and store.
35 A further object of the present invention is to provide a wheel shocking system wherein the grating provided on the ;support surface is hinged to provide convenience in cleaning and and snow cr 40 debris removal.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention may be determined by a review and understanding of the following disclosure.
The present invent:: on relates to a grating s member for use in combination ~Nith a wheel chocking system for restraining road vehicles being transported in a transport vehicle, said tr~~nsport vehicle having a longitudinal axis and a support surface supporting said grating member to which a disengageable wheel chock having to arresting studs, clamping teeth, and hooking fingers may be secured thereto to permit incremental disengageable wheel chock adjustability both longitudinally and laterally, said grating member comprising: an elongated rectangular deck section hav_.ng a substantially planar i5 upper support structure formed from connected, equidistantly spaced, perpendicular first and second sets of parallel rods defining therebetween rectangular openings for receiving said disengageable wheel chock, said first set of parallel rod:; containing upwardly formed 2o portions between each of said :>econd set of parallel rods, said upwardly formed portions defining a portion of said upper support structure such that said upper support structure is substantially free of trip hazards and further provides lateral eng,~gement surfaces for 'said 2s arresting studs and said clamping teeth to prevent lateral movement of said disengageabl~ wheel chock relative to said grating, said first set of parallel rods further disposed to support said second set of parallel rods relative said vehicle support surface providing a space to 3o provide said clamping teeth and said hooking fingers an engagement clearance to engage a portion of said second set of parallel rods, and said second set of parallel rods further providing longitudinal engagement surfaces for said arresting studs to prever..t longitudinal movement of 35 said disengageable wheel chock relative said grating, and - 4a -said deck section being capable of being hingedly secured in spaced parallel relations:zip relative to additional deck sections along longitudinal axis of said transport vehicle and being dimensioned ~o accommodate the wheels of a vehicle and permitting said ~3isengageable wheel chock to be secured thereto adjacent s~~id wheels to restrain said wheels and said transported vehicle from moving longitudinally relative to said grating member and said support surface.
to BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
A preferred embodime:Zt of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, including:
-' S -FIGURE 1 is ~3 fragmented plan view showing the wheel shocking system of the present invention, - and particularly showing a support surface of the transport vehicle having grating disposed thereon to which chocks are secured relative to four sets of wheels of a ground vehicle being transported;
FIGURE 2 is a side view of the chock of the wheel shocking system: of the present invention wherein the chock angle3 face plate is in an extended position; ' FIGURE 3 is a top view of the chock of the wheel shocking system cf the present invention shown in Figure 2;
FIGURE 4 is a bottom view of the chock, of the wheel shocking sysvem of the present invention shown in Figure 2;
FIGURES 5A and 5B are side views showing the chock of the wheel shocking system of the present invention in an engaged and disengaged state relative the floor grating, respectively;
FIGURES 6A through 6C are fragmented sectional views showing the construction and operation of the engagE~able arresting mechanism of the chock of the wheel shocking system of the present invention;
FIGURE 7A is ~, bottom view of the manually actuated axially rotatable rod of the chock of the wheel shocking system of the present invention;
FIGURE 7B is a sectional view along section lines VII-VII of Figure '~A;
FIGURE 7C is an end view of Figure 7A;
FIGURE 8A is a plan view of the cam latch of the chock of the wheel shocking system of the present invention;
FIGURE 8B is << top view of the cam latch of the chock of the wheel c~hocking system of the present invention;
FIGURE 9 is a side view of the lifter cam of the chock of the whee l chocking system of the present invention;
FIGURE l0A is a side. view of the compressor disk of the chock of the wheel chocking system of the 10 present invention;
FIGURE lOB is a plan view of Figure 10A;
FIGURE 11A is the front view of the chock base of the chock of the wheel chocking system of the 15 present invention, showing the construction of the load transfer wall;
FIGURE 11B is an enlarged fragmented view showing the relationship between the stud, the 20 cavities, and the support ledge;
FIGURE 12 is a partly fragmented side view showing the construction of the face plate of the chock of the wheel choking system of the present 25 invention;
FIGURES 13A and 13B are fragmented views showing the spring biasing arrangement of the face plate of the chock of t:he wheel chocking system of 30 the present invention;
FIGURE 14 is a top view showing how the grating of the wheel checking system of the present invention is hinged to an outboard member of the 35 support structure;
FIGURE 15 is an end view showing how the grating of the wheel checking system of the present invention is hingedly connected to an outboard member 40 of the support structure;
FIGURES 16A, lfiB and 16C are plan, side and end views of the construction of the grating of the wheel chocking system of the present invention;
_ 7 FIGURE 17 is a sectional view of the grating hinge connection of the grating of the wheel chocking system of the present invention;
FIGURES I8 i,~ a fragmented perspective view 5 of the grating hinge connection of the grating of the wheel chocking system of the present invention to the support structure;
FIGURE 19 is a plan view of the hinge base 10 strip of the grating o:E the wheel chocking system of the present invention;
FIGURE 20 i~ a plan view of the hinge keeper strip of the crating of the wheel chocking 15 system of,the present invention; and FIGURE 21 i:, a perspective view of the storage panel for use with the chock of the wheel chocking system of the present invention.
20 It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to exact scale and that certain aspects of the embodime:zts are illustrated by graphic symbols, schematic representations and fragmentary 25 views. Actual embodiments or installations thereof may differ.
While some mechanical detail, including other plan and sectional views of the particular 30 e~odiment depicted, may have been omitted, such detail is not per se part of the present invention and is considered within the comprehension of those skilled in the art in light of the present 35 disclosure. The resulting simplified presentation is believed to be more readable and informative and readily understandable by those skilled in the art.
It should also be understood, of course, the 40 invention is not limited to the particular embociment illustrated.
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference characters correspond to like structures throughout the drawing , and more particularly to Figure 1, there is shown generally at 10 the wheel chocking system of the present invention for use in a transport vehicle. The system comprises a grating ll formed of transversely welded circular steel rods, as will be described later, and arranged to form elongated rectangular <~eck sections 12 which are hingedly connected to elongated hinge connectors 68 positioned proximate i:he outboard side of the transport vehicle and parallel to channel members 13, the elongated hinge connectors 68 being secured to the transport vehicle de<:k structure. A vehicle (not shown? having at least two sets of wheels 14 and 14' 2p secured to respective ax=;es 15 and 15' is disposed on the grating 11, as illustrated in Figure 1, with a wheel of each axle dis:~osed on corresponding deck grating sections 12. The chock member 16 of the present invention is shown removably secured to the deck grating section 12 adjacent a tire of each of the four wheels 14 to restrain the vehic)_e on the deck grating section 12. The chock members 16 can be positioned in an arrangement as shown in Figure 1 as a solid line, or as shown at I6' in phantom, or both sides of the wheels oi= axles 15, or 15', or additional, combinations as may be required to restrain vehicles of different weights from longitudinal and lateral shifting.
Each chock member 16 is provided with a detachable lock means, as will be described later, for securing the chock member 16 to engageable arresting means substanti:311y defined by the openings 13 between the transversely welded rods of the grating 11. As herein shown, the chock members 16 are provided, in mirror image pairs, with lateral restraining means in the form of a paddle-shaped member 17 located on the leftward or rightward side 5 of the chock member 16, such that the chock members 16 are connected to the grating with the paddle-shaped members 17 extending inwardly adjacent an inner side wall portion 14" of the tires of each wheel. As both sets of wheels, thus are 10 cooperatively restraine3 from lateral displacement in either direction, lai;eral shifting of the ground vehicle is prevented.
Referring now t~~ Figures 2 through 5B, the constructions of the chock member 16 may6 be IS understood_ The chock member 16 is formed of plastic material and comprises a base 18 formed with structural ribs, with the base 18 having rows of transversely and longitudinally aligned arresting studs 19 depending therefrom. The studs 20 19 are arranged on opposed sides of a rear base area 21 in two paralle:L longitudinal rows of the rear edge 21' of the base 18, as shown in Figures 2 and 4. A transverse row of studs 19 is also provided along the edge of the rear base areas 21.
25 The pairs of studs 19 fit into the openings 13 of the grating 11.
A series of clarlping teeth 22 are provided along the front edge portion of the base 18, with two or three longitudinal rows on each side. These 30 rows of teeth 22 are aligned transversely and longitudinally with the rows of arresting studs 19, as clearly shown in Figure 4. The studs 19 and teeth 22 are configured to provide in pairs a close fit within the rectangular openings 13 of the 35 grating 11 to restrain the chock member 16 from moving relative to the 3eck sections 12. The teeth 22 are sloped forwardly to extend under the transverse rods 11' of the grating and to provide for chock member 16 removal even when trapped by a tire, as will be described later.
A load transfer wall 23 is formed integrally with the base 18 in a forward end thereof and is angled away from the wheel. A face plate 24 is hingedly ;secured by a hinge pin 25 connected to the forward top end of a load transfer member 26 and spring biased inwardly by a torsion spring assembly 28, as will be described later.
The face plate 24 is engageable with the load transfer wall 23 and can be positioned at three (or more) distinct positio:zs vertically thereof and movably retained in the angled plane of the load transfer wall 23. The ~_ace plate 24 can therefore be positioned to abut the tire tread of the wheels 14 at a height suitable to the wheel diameter.
Referring now to Figures 6A through lOB, there will be described the construction and operation of the detachable locking means permitting the chock meriber 16 to be attached and detached from the decking 12. The detachable or disengage locking means 19 is secured in the rear portion 21 of the base member 18, as can be more clearly seen in Figurf~s 6A to 6C. As therein shown, the detachable locking means 19 is assembled on an axially rotatable rod 30, better shown in Figures 7A through 7C. The rod 30 has a manually actuated lever 31 securE~d to an end thereof, the lever 31 further having two cam portions 32. The axially rotatable rod 30 is supported in a circular bore formed across the rear support members 33 integrally molded within base 18. Each of the - l0a -disengageable attachment members, in the form of a cam latch 34, are transversely positioned about a respective cam portion 32. The cam latch 34 is a flat disc and has. at least two spaced-apart hooking fingers 35 depending. from a lower edge thereof and engageable~ with at least one adjacent top steel rods 11' of the grating 11. The cam latch 34 is hingedly secured b:~ a hinge pin 36 in a top part thereof , the hinge p:_n 36 being secured to the. rear support members 33. The cam latch 34 also has a cam engaging bore 37, as is better shown in Figure 8A, and through which the cam portion 32 is positioned, as shown in the operational sequence depicted in Figures 6A through 6C.
As also shown in Figures 6A through 6C~
Figure 4 and Figure 9, a lifter cam 38 is secured to the axially rotatable rod 30 and positioned in pairs on each side of the c~im latches 34. These lifter cams 38 are provided with a securing bore 3°.
Inwardly projecting keys 40 extend within the bore and engage channels 41 formed in the rod 30, as shown in Figures 7A and 7C.T1-:ese cam portions are provided to lift the rear portion 21 of the chock out of engagement with the transverse rods 11' provided in the grating 11, as will be described later.
A compressor ~3isk 42, as shown in Figures l0A and lOB, may be secured to the rod 30, substantially mid-lengt~ thereof. The compressor disk 42 consists of an annular disk having a bore 43 through which the rod a0 extends with keys 44 also projecting inwardly of the bore 43 for engagement with the channels 41 provided in the rod 30. A
spring actuating pin 45 extends transversely across the compressor disk 42 for engaging a torsion spring 46 wound about the rod 30, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, and for a purpose which will be described later.
When the .chock 16 of the present invention is engaged with the grating 11, it is positi-oned as shown in Figure 2 with the manually-actuated lever 31 extending forwardly to cause the hooking fingers 35 to engage with one of t:ze transverse rods 11' . In this position, the cam portions 32 are in the upper right quadrant of the cam engaging bore 37, urging the hooking fingers 35 forwardly as the cam latch 44 pivots on the hinge pin :36 as shown in Fig. 6A. The_ cam 38 is also inactive with the cam lifting edge 38' being positioned upwardly. If the tire of the wheel 14 is resting against thE~ face plate 24, it applies a load against the load transfer. member 26 and into the rear portion 21 of tree chock member 16. with the studs 19 frictionally engaging the transverse rods 11'. Accordingly, in mast instances, when the chock member 16 is loaded, it ~~ould be difficult to retract the chock from frictional engagement with the grating 11. However, with the lifter cam 38, this is easily accomplished in the follcwing manner.
As shown in Figure 6B, in order to disengage the chock, thf~ manually-actuated lever 31 is rotated counterclockwise in the direction of arro~~~
47, thereby rotating the rod 30 and the cam portions 32. This causes the cam portions 32 to be displaced in an arc relative to the center of the rod 30, toward the rear of the :hock member 16 and induces the rod 30 to apply prE~ssure against the straight edge portion 37' of the cam engaging bore 37. causing the cam latch 34 to rotai_a clockwise about its hinge pin 36, as shown in Figure 6B. When the lever 31 reaches a substantially vertical position, the hooking fingers 35 are therefore moved out from under the transverse rod 11' and aligned within the openings 13 between the rods 11', as shown in Figure 6B. In this position, the cam lifting edge 38' of the cam 38 has been displaced and approaches the plane defined by the top surface of the transverse grating 11'. Also, at this location, the spring actuating pin 45 secured to the compressor disk 42 5 comes in contact with t:he torsion spring 46, as shown in Figure 3. By further rotation of the lever 31 in the direction of arrow 48, as shown in Figure 6C, the cam edge 38' fractionally engages one of the 10 longitudinal rods 11' proximate one or both lateral sides of the cam latch 34 (hence the desire to provide pairs of cams 3f? and wedges the rear portion 21 of the chock upwards out of frictional engagement 15 with the grading 11'. It should be noted that as longitudinal rods 11" have a sine waveform shape, the cam 38 is able to engage same at about the same vertical height as tha-: of the transverse rods 11'.
20 The chock member 16 is thus disconnected from the grating 11 and can be removed.
As soon as thE~ lever is released, it moves back up to its vertical position, as shown in Figure 25 6B, by the restoring force in the torsion spring 46.
This torsion spring '46 rind compressor disc 42 are not necessary for the operation of the lever 31, but are simply added features assisting the operator in 30 properly orienting th~=_ system for installation.
Thus, in the position shown in Figure 6B, the chock member 16 is now ready to be installed again as the hooking fingers 35 are aligned with the arresting 35 studs 19. This facilitates the future installation or storage of the chock member 16, so that the user need only to position the chock member 16 on the grating 11 and move the lever 31 clockwise to lock 40 the chock member 16 thereto.
.~ 4 As shown in Figures 6A through 6C, the transverse top steel rods 11' o.f the grating, are straight rodnding transverse to the plane ofr the wheels of a vehicle positioned on the grating deck sections, or otherwise expressed, extend transversely to the long axis of the rectangular deck sections 12.
The upper rods 11' and the lower rods 11" define therebetween- rectangular openings 13 which receive the pairs of studs 19 an3 teeth 22 and constitute an engageable arresting means for the chock member 16.
The hooking fingers 35 of the cam latch 34 have an arcuate shaped lower edge 35' leading to a recessed throat section 35", within which the transverse steel rods 11' are engaged. Note that the longitudinal dimension of the opening 13 is approximately twice that of the studs 19, the teeth 22 and the hooking fingers 35 of the cam latch 34.
Referring again to the arresting studs 19, the clamping teeth 22 anal the lifter cams 38, it can be seen how the chock member 16 can be removed from entrapment between the grating panels 11 and the tire of a wheel 14 or 14' tY~at has shifted and come to rest against the chock f,3ce plate 24. The clamping teeth 22 cannot be disencraged from the rods 11 unless they move away from the -sire, which is not possible while the arresting ~:tuds 19 are fractionally engaged, as noted above. If the lifter cams 38 are fully rotated, causing tl-~e arresting studs 19 to lift and disengage from the transverse rods 11', the chock member 16 can be pulled away from the tire, allowing the sloped clamping tEaeth 22 to slide out of engagement with the transverse rods 11' and thereby freeing the chock from entrapment.
Referring now to Figures 2, 11A, 11B, 12 and 13, the adjustabi:Lity of the angulated face plate 24 may be understood. The load tansfer member 26 is pivotal:_y secured in a rear end 5 thereof about the axially rotatable cam rod 30'.
The load transfer members 26 have a gooseneck shape and define an angled front end chest portion 49.
The face plate 24 is pivotally connected to a top end of the chest portion 49 by pivot pin 25. The 10 face plate 24 is provided with a pair of engaging hook studs 50 spaced a~~art and projecting upwardly and away from the tire and located near a bottom edge of the plate 24. Each of these studs 50 engage a respective pair of a series of rectangular 15 cavities 51 provided in the front face 53 of the load transfer wall 23, as shown in Figure 11. The bottom edge of the plate 24 also rests on support ledges 5I' disposed below the cavities 51. The plate lower edge also has an undercut opening 99 to 20 provide a hand grip. The upward hook of the studs 50 and the support ledgE~s 51', best shown in Figure 11B, provide an important function in the dynamics of the control of the i:ransported vehicle upon an impact. When a vehicle is impacted into the chock 25 member 16, it tends to rise and through frictional contact between the tire and the top of the face plate 24 cause the face plate 24 to rotate such that the engagement st~.zds 50 disengage from the cavities 51. The upward hook instead catches the 30 upper edge of cavity 51, maintaining engagement.
If the impact is sufficiently severe, the vehicle wheel can rise and then fall causing a downward load on the face plate through frictional contact with the tire, in turn severely stressing the studs 35 50 where it is not for i:he support provided by the ledges 51'.
As shown in Ficrure 2, when the face plate 24 is at its lowest position 24', it.,is in direct contact with the load transfer' wall 23 and a large portion. of the load will be transferred directly to the base 18 with only a small portion) of the load going into the gooseneck members 26. When the face plate -24 is positioned to its highest position in the top part of the load transfer wall 23, the load is applied to the face plate 24 is distributed into both the load transfer gooseneck member 26 with a portion being distributed as wel.L into the top part of the load transfer wall 23 and into the base 18 via the ribs 55. Arcs 52 indicate the displacement and the three positions of the facie plate 24.
As previously mentioned, the angled face plate 24 is spring bia:~ed inwardly by a torsion spring assembly 28. as i7.lustrated in Figures 2, 13A
and 13B. The torsion spring assembly 28 consists of a torsion spring 60 wound at,out a free end of the pivot pin 25 outwardly of the paddle-shaped member l7 and retained captive thereon. The torsion spring 60 has an end 61 thereof restrained against a portion of the paddle-shaped member 17 whilst the other end 62 is restrained against a guide pin 63 which is engaged at its end 63' with the angled face plate 24. A guide slot 64 limits the forward displacement of the face plate 24 in the direction of arrow 27, as shown in Figure 2. The central bottom edge of the face plate 24 may be further provided with a finger insertion slot to permit engagement and disengagement of the face plate with the load t_~ansfer plate.
The paddle-shaped member 17 is formed integral with a top portion of the gooseneck shaped member 26, as illustrated more clearly in Figure 3, and has a smooth lateral rE~straining surface 66 which projects forwardly of one side of the face plate.
_. 17 _ This surface has a curved -end 67 to provide a smooth surface for contact with the inner side walls of the tires of the wheels of the vehicle supported on the grating 11. The paddle 17 could also be secured to the base independent of the front wall 24 and not be vertically displaceablea with the adjustable face plate 23.
As shown in Figures 2, 14 and 15, the grating 11 is formed by a series of elongated rectangular grating sections 12 which are closely spaced to define a narrow joint 65 therebetween and designed to be applied such that the spacing between cross bars is continuous throughout the length of the grating 11. These sections 12 are secured in spaced parallel relationship on each side of the deck of a transport vehicle, as illustrated in Figure 1, and have a predetermined widj:h to accommodate the wheels of all vehicles supportead thereover and permit the chock members 16 to be secured to the grating 11 adjacent the wheels throughout the length of the deck. These grating sections 12 are secured to the support surface 65' of the transport vehicle by elongated hinge connectors 68 located on the outboard side of the transport' vehicle. These hinge connectors 68 permit the grating section 12 to tilt upwardly, as shown in Figure 15. to facilitate the removal of snow or other debris from the support surface 65' of the transport vehicle. Chain "tie"
down channels 13 may be present on older transport vehicles and need not be removed to provide proper space for the grating section 12.
'Another feature of the grating design is the wave shape bf the lower rods whereby the upper surface of the wave is at the same elevation as the upper surface of the upper rods 11", therebw providing a trip-free surface for operator safety as well as continuous supF~ort for the tire treads.
preventing the formation of tread indentation, otherwise possible over e:~tended transport periods.
As shown in Figures 17 to 20, the elongated hinge connectors 68 are provided by an elongated hinge base strip 697 and a hinge keeper strip 70 which is secured thereovE~r by means of fasteners 71 which extend through the support surface 65'. The grating deck sections 12 are bent at~ their end portions 72 and have a hinge pin 73 welded therealong and adjacent the free encs 74 thereof. This hinge pin 73 is retained captivt~ in the trough portion 70' of the hinge keeper strip 70. These trough portions 70' are spaced apart alone the strip 69, and each has a projectin g tongue 70" which is retained captive in a slot 69' provided in a hinge end portion 69"'of the hinge base strip 69. Accordingly, the base strip 69 and the hinge keeper strip 70 are assembled together about the hinge pin 73 of the deck sections and then secured within the surface 65' by fasteners 71. The hinge keeper strips 70 can be assembled such that each half engages the opposite half of the underlying hinge base strips 69. ensuring continuity in the spacing of the hinge system and the joints between grating sections 12 so that chock members 16 can be applied over the joints. ,~s previously described, in order to clean debris on the support surface under the grating 11, the gral=ing section 12 is lifted upwardly on its hinge pin '~3 from its position of use as denoted by reference numeral 76 in Figure 17 to its outwardly hinged position as denoted by reference numeral 77. Thus, it is easy to clean snow or debris from under the grating 1._. Also. ice and sno~~:
clinging to the grating c~.n be removed by impacting the grating sections 12 on the support surface 65.
Summarizing t.~e .advantages of the chocking system of the present invention, by the use of four light-weight chock members 16 proximate the four wheels of a vehicle, there is provided balanced restraint relative to t:he center of gravity of the vehicle supported- on the grating 11, with the paddle-shaped members 17 positioned to extend along the inner side walls of the tires of the wheels 14, thus eliminating lateral shifting of the vehicle which is a major problen with chocking systems which are secured to wheels on a single side of a vehicle.
Any scuff marks that may result, due to vehicle shifting, are also on i:he inside wall of the tire.
As shown in Figure 1, additional chock members 16 may be positioned on opposed sides of two or all four wheels, when securing very heavy vehicles, as illustrated at 16' . Fi<~ure 1 also illustrates that vehicles having tandem wheels 14" can still be secured.
Another very ~.mportant characteristic of the present invention is the manner in which the chock member 16 is connected to the grating by simply placing the chock member 16 in position toward the tire in close proximity to the tire and simply rotating a lever 31. To disconnect the chock member 16, when it is loaded b~ .the weight of the vehicle acting upon the face plates with the studs 19 in tight frictional contact against the rods 11 of the decking, it is merely necessary to rotate the lever in the opposite direction to its vertical position to disconnect the hooking fingers 35 from the top rods 11' of the decking and then to rotate the lever 31 further to put in motion the lifter cams 38. which wedge the studs 19 out of ~=heir frictional engagement in the decking. To reenga~~e the chock member 16, the _ ;7p _ lever 31 is located vertically and it is then merely necessary for the user- to push the chock into engagement and rotate the lever 31 in order lock the chock back to the decking.
An important feature of the combination of the gooseneck shape in the load transfer member 26, and the angularity of tr.e load transfer wall 23 anti face plate 24, as well as its vertical adjustability, is that the entire assemfly can be fitted against the tires of a wheel, exten3ing high enough to restrain the vehicle in place while still clearing the lower body metal and ground effect projections normal on many automobiles.
Figure 2 illustrates the characteristics achieved by the adjustability of the angled face plate 24. As previously described, it is not necessary to utilize restraining straps about the wheels with the chocki:zg system of the present invention. The grating 11 also provides for a plurality of transversely aligned securement openings 13 so as to permit 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) incremental chock adjustability loth longitudinally and laterally. The chock member 16 of the present invention is also con:~tructed of a structural plastics material, making it very lightweight compared to metal_ Although only four chock members 16 are illustrated in Figure l, as previously described, it is envisaged that six or eight chock members 16 may be necessary for heavier vehicles.
The construction and secLrement of the deck grating 11 makes the system easily and readily clearable of snow and debris. As se.=n in Figure 21, storage panels 100 for storing t:~e chock member 16 can be provided. These are stamped substantially flat metal _. 21 plates. Along an upper and lower portion of the panel 100 are positioned upper and lower resilient tangs 102, 104 which slide into orifices 106 generally found in transport vehicle outboards walls 108:
When the tangs 102, 104 are engaged with the orifices 10E. the panel 100 can be simply tapped down into position. Ths resiliency of the tangs 102, 104 retains the panel 100 in place. Removal is a reversal of this proces:~. As can be seen, 'the panel 100 is further provided with horizontal bars 110. To store the chock members 16, the studs l9 and teeth 22 are brought into engagement with the horizontal bars 110 with the chock member in a vertical orientation.
Rotation of the lever 37 is thus sufficient, as noted above, to engage the firgers 35 of the cam latch 34, Thus, the same action restraining the chock member 16 relative to the grating 11 may be used to restrain, in storage the chock member 16 relative to the panel 100. removal is an described above, by opposite rotation of the lever 31 and release of the hooking fingers 25 of the cam latch 34.
It is within the ambit of the present invention to cover any o'.her obvious modifications of the preferred embodiment described herein provided such modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims.
The present invent:: on relates to a grating s member for use in combination ~Nith a wheel chocking system for restraining road vehicles being transported in a transport vehicle, said tr~~nsport vehicle having a longitudinal axis and a support surface supporting said grating member to which a disengageable wheel chock having to arresting studs, clamping teeth, and hooking fingers may be secured thereto to permit incremental disengageable wheel chock adjustability both longitudinally and laterally, said grating member comprising: an elongated rectangular deck section hav_.ng a substantially planar i5 upper support structure formed from connected, equidistantly spaced, perpendicular first and second sets of parallel rods defining therebetween rectangular openings for receiving said disengageable wheel chock, said first set of parallel rod:; containing upwardly formed 2o portions between each of said :>econd set of parallel rods, said upwardly formed portions defining a portion of said upper support structure such that said upper support structure is substantially free of trip hazards and further provides lateral eng,~gement surfaces for 'said 2s arresting studs and said clamping teeth to prevent lateral movement of said disengageabl~ wheel chock relative to said grating, said first set of parallel rods further disposed to support said second set of parallel rods relative said vehicle support surface providing a space to 3o provide said clamping teeth and said hooking fingers an engagement clearance to engage a portion of said second set of parallel rods, and said second set of parallel rods further providing longitudinal engagement surfaces for said arresting studs to prever..t longitudinal movement of 35 said disengageable wheel chock relative said grating, and - 4a -said deck section being capable of being hingedly secured in spaced parallel relations:zip relative to additional deck sections along longitudinal axis of said transport vehicle and being dimensioned ~o accommodate the wheels of a vehicle and permitting said ~3isengageable wheel chock to be secured thereto adjacent s~~id wheels to restrain said wheels and said transported vehicle from moving longitudinally relative to said grating member and said support surface.
to BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
A preferred embodime:Zt of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, including:
-' S -FIGURE 1 is ~3 fragmented plan view showing the wheel shocking system of the present invention, - and particularly showing a support surface of the transport vehicle having grating disposed thereon to which chocks are secured relative to four sets of wheels of a ground vehicle being transported;
FIGURE 2 is a side view of the chock of the wheel shocking system: of the present invention wherein the chock angle3 face plate is in an extended position; ' FIGURE 3 is a top view of the chock of the wheel shocking system cf the present invention shown in Figure 2;
FIGURE 4 is a bottom view of the chock, of the wheel shocking sysvem of the present invention shown in Figure 2;
FIGURES 5A and 5B are side views showing the chock of the wheel shocking system of the present invention in an engaged and disengaged state relative the floor grating, respectively;
FIGURES 6A through 6C are fragmented sectional views showing the construction and operation of the engagE~able arresting mechanism of the chock of the wheel shocking system of the present invention;
FIGURE 7A is ~, bottom view of the manually actuated axially rotatable rod of the chock of the wheel shocking system of the present invention;
FIGURE 7B is a sectional view along section lines VII-VII of Figure '~A;
FIGURE 7C is an end view of Figure 7A;
FIGURE 8A is a plan view of the cam latch of the chock of the wheel shocking system of the present invention;
FIGURE 8B is << top view of the cam latch of the chock of the wheel c~hocking system of the present invention;
FIGURE 9 is a side view of the lifter cam of the chock of the whee l chocking system of the present invention;
FIGURE l0A is a side. view of the compressor disk of the chock of the wheel chocking system of the 10 present invention;
FIGURE lOB is a plan view of Figure 10A;
FIGURE 11A is the front view of the chock base of the chock of the wheel chocking system of the 15 present invention, showing the construction of the load transfer wall;
FIGURE 11B is an enlarged fragmented view showing the relationship between the stud, the 20 cavities, and the support ledge;
FIGURE 12 is a partly fragmented side view showing the construction of the face plate of the chock of the wheel choking system of the present 25 invention;
FIGURES 13A and 13B are fragmented views showing the spring biasing arrangement of the face plate of the chock of t:he wheel chocking system of 30 the present invention;
FIGURE 14 is a top view showing how the grating of the wheel checking system of the present invention is hinged to an outboard member of the 35 support structure;
FIGURE 15 is an end view showing how the grating of the wheel checking system of the present invention is hingedly connected to an outboard member 40 of the support structure;
FIGURES 16A, lfiB and 16C are plan, side and end views of the construction of the grating of the wheel chocking system of the present invention;
_ 7 FIGURE 17 is a sectional view of the grating hinge connection of the grating of the wheel chocking system of the present invention;
FIGURES I8 i,~ a fragmented perspective view 5 of the grating hinge connection of the grating of the wheel chocking system of the present invention to the support structure;
FIGURE 19 is a plan view of the hinge base 10 strip of the grating o:E the wheel chocking system of the present invention;
FIGURE 20 i~ a plan view of the hinge keeper strip of the crating of the wheel chocking 15 system of,the present invention; and FIGURE 21 i:, a perspective view of the storage panel for use with the chock of the wheel chocking system of the present invention.
20 It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to exact scale and that certain aspects of the embodime:zts are illustrated by graphic symbols, schematic representations and fragmentary 25 views. Actual embodiments or installations thereof may differ.
While some mechanical detail, including other plan and sectional views of the particular 30 e~odiment depicted, may have been omitted, such detail is not per se part of the present invention and is considered within the comprehension of those skilled in the art in light of the present 35 disclosure. The resulting simplified presentation is believed to be more readable and informative and readily understandable by those skilled in the art.
It should also be understood, of course, the 40 invention is not limited to the particular embociment illustrated.
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference characters correspond to like structures throughout the drawing , and more particularly to Figure 1, there is shown generally at 10 the wheel chocking system of the present invention for use in a transport vehicle. The system comprises a grating ll formed of transversely welded circular steel rods, as will be described later, and arranged to form elongated rectangular <~eck sections 12 which are hingedly connected to elongated hinge connectors 68 positioned proximate i:he outboard side of the transport vehicle and parallel to channel members 13, the elongated hinge connectors 68 being secured to the transport vehicle de<:k structure. A vehicle (not shown? having at least two sets of wheels 14 and 14' 2p secured to respective ax=;es 15 and 15' is disposed on the grating 11, as illustrated in Figure 1, with a wheel of each axle dis:~osed on corresponding deck grating sections 12. The chock member 16 of the present invention is shown removably secured to the deck grating section 12 adjacent a tire of each of the four wheels 14 to restrain the vehic)_e on the deck grating section 12. The chock members 16 can be positioned in an arrangement as shown in Figure 1 as a solid line, or as shown at I6' in phantom, or both sides of the wheels oi= axles 15, or 15', or additional, combinations as may be required to restrain vehicles of different weights from longitudinal and lateral shifting.
Each chock member 16 is provided with a detachable lock means, as will be described later, for securing the chock member 16 to engageable arresting means substanti:311y defined by the openings 13 between the transversely welded rods of the grating 11. As herein shown, the chock members 16 are provided, in mirror image pairs, with lateral restraining means in the form of a paddle-shaped member 17 located on the leftward or rightward side 5 of the chock member 16, such that the chock members 16 are connected to the grating with the paddle-shaped members 17 extending inwardly adjacent an inner side wall portion 14" of the tires of each wheel. As both sets of wheels, thus are 10 cooperatively restraine3 from lateral displacement in either direction, lai;eral shifting of the ground vehicle is prevented.
Referring now t~~ Figures 2 through 5B, the constructions of the chock member 16 may6 be IS understood_ The chock member 16 is formed of plastic material and comprises a base 18 formed with structural ribs, with the base 18 having rows of transversely and longitudinally aligned arresting studs 19 depending therefrom. The studs 20 19 are arranged on opposed sides of a rear base area 21 in two paralle:L longitudinal rows of the rear edge 21' of the base 18, as shown in Figures 2 and 4. A transverse row of studs 19 is also provided along the edge of the rear base areas 21.
25 The pairs of studs 19 fit into the openings 13 of the grating 11.
A series of clarlping teeth 22 are provided along the front edge portion of the base 18, with two or three longitudinal rows on each side. These 30 rows of teeth 22 are aligned transversely and longitudinally with the rows of arresting studs 19, as clearly shown in Figure 4. The studs 19 and teeth 22 are configured to provide in pairs a close fit within the rectangular openings 13 of the 35 grating 11 to restrain the chock member 16 from moving relative to the 3eck sections 12. The teeth 22 are sloped forwardly to extend under the transverse rods 11' of the grating and to provide for chock member 16 removal even when trapped by a tire, as will be described later.
A load transfer wall 23 is formed integrally with the base 18 in a forward end thereof and is angled away from the wheel. A face plate 24 is hingedly ;secured by a hinge pin 25 connected to the forward top end of a load transfer member 26 and spring biased inwardly by a torsion spring assembly 28, as will be described later.
The face plate 24 is engageable with the load transfer wall 23 and can be positioned at three (or more) distinct positio:zs vertically thereof and movably retained in the angled plane of the load transfer wall 23. The ~_ace plate 24 can therefore be positioned to abut the tire tread of the wheels 14 at a height suitable to the wheel diameter.
Referring now to Figures 6A through lOB, there will be described the construction and operation of the detachable locking means permitting the chock meriber 16 to be attached and detached from the decking 12. The detachable or disengage locking means 19 is secured in the rear portion 21 of the base member 18, as can be more clearly seen in Figurf~s 6A to 6C. As therein shown, the detachable locking means 19 is assembled on an axially rotatable rod 30, better shown in Figures 7A through 7C. The rod 30 has a manually actuated lever 31 securE~d to an end thereof, the lever 31 further having two cam portions 32. The axially rotatable rod 30 is supported in a circular bore formed across the rear support members 33 integrally molded within base 18. Each of the - l0a -disengageable attachment members, in the form of a cam latch 34, are transversely positioned about a respective cam portion 32. The cam latch 34 is a flat disc and has. at least two spaced-apart hooking fingers 35 depending. from a lower edge thereof and engageable~ with at least one adjacent top steel rods 11' of the grating 11. The cam latch 34 is hingedly secured b:~ a hinge pin 36 in a top part thereof , the hinge p:_n 36 being secured to the. rear support members 33. The cam latch 34 also has a cam engaging bore 37, as is better shown in Figure 8A, and through which the cam portion 32 is positioned, as shown in the operational sequence depicted in Figures 6A through 6C.
As also shown in Figures 6A through 6C~
Figure 4 and Figure 9, a lifter cam 38 is secured to the axially rotatable rod 30 and positioned in pairs on each side of the c~im latches 34. These lifter cams 38 are provided with a securing bore 3°.
Inwardly projecting keys 40 extend within the bore and engage channels 41 formed in the rod 30, as shown in Figures 7A and 7C.T1-:ese cam portions are provided to lift the rear portion 21 of the chock out of engagement with the transverse rods 11' provided in the grating 11, as will be described later.
A compressor ~3isk 42, as shown in Figures l0A and lOB, may be secured to the rod 30, substantially mid-lengt~ thereof. The compressor disk 42 consists of an annular disk having a bore 43 through which the rod a0 extends with keys 44 also projecting inwardly of the bore 43 for engagement with the channels 41 provided in the rod 30. A
spring actuating pin 45 extends transversely across the compressor disk 42 for engaging a torsion spring 46 wound about the rod 30, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, and for a purpose which will be described later.
When the .chock 16 of the present invention is engaged with the grating 11, it is positi-oned as shown in Figure 2 with the manually-actuated lever 31 extending forwardly to cause the hooking fingers 35 to engage with one of t:ze transverse rods 11' . In this position, the cam portions 32 are in the upper right quadrant of the cam engaging bore 37, urging the hooking fingers 35 forwardly as the cam latch 44 pivots on the hinge pin :36 as shown in Fig. 6A. The_ cam 38 is also inactive with the cam lifting edge 38' being positioned upwardly. If the tire of the wheel 14 is resting against thE~ face plate 24, it applies a load against the load transfer. member 26 and into the rear portion 21 of tree chock member 16. with the studs 19 frictionally engaging the transverse rods 11'. Accordingly, in mast instances, when the chock member 16 is loaded, it ~~ould be difficult to retract the chock from frictional engagement with the grating 11. However, with the lifter cam 38, this is easily accomplished in the follcwing manner.
As shown in Figure 6B, in order to disengage the chock, thf~ manually-actuated lever 31 is rotated counterclockwise in the direction of arro~~~
47, thereby rotating the rod 30 and the cam portions 32. This causes the cam portions 32 to be displaced in an arc relative to the center of the rod 30, toward the rear of the :hock member 16 and induces the rod 30 to apply prE~ssure against the straight edge portion 37' of the cam engaging bore 37. causing the cam latch 34 to rotai_a clockwise about its hinge pin 36, as shown in Figure 6B. When the lever 31 reaches a substantially vertical position, the hooking fingers 35 are therefore moved out from under the transverse rod 11' and aligned within the openings 13 between the rods 11', as shown in Figure 6B. In this position, the cam lifting edge 38' of the cam 38 has been displaced and approaches the plane defined by the top surface of the transverse grating 11'. Also, at this location, the spring actuating pin 45 secured to the compressor disk 42 5 comes in contact with t:he torsion spring 46, as shown in Figure 3. By further rotation of the lever 31 in the direction of arrow 48, as shown in Figure 6C, the cam edge 38' fractionally engages one of the 10 longitudinal rods 11' proximate one or both lateral sides of the cam latch 34 (hence the desire to provide pairs of cams 3f? and wedges the rear portion 21 of the chock upwards out of frictional engagement 15 with the grading 11'. It should be noted that as longitudinal rods 11" have a sine waveform shape, the cam 38 is able to engage same at about the same vertical height as tha-: of the transverse rods 11'.
20 The chock member 16 is thus disconnected from the grating 11 and can be removed.
As soon as thE~ lever is released, it moves back up to its vertical position, as shown in Figure 25 6B, by the restoring force in the torsion spring 46.
This torsion spring '46 rind compressor disc 42 are not necessary for the operation of the lever 31, but are simply added features assisting the operator in 30 properly orienting th~=_ system for installation.
Thus, in the position shown in Figure 6B, the chock member 16 is now ready to be installed again as the hooking fingers 35 are aligned with the arresting 35 studs 19. This facilitates the future installation or storage of the chock member 16, so that the user need only to position the chock member 16 on the grating 11 and move the lever 31 clockwise to lock 40 the chock member 16 thereto.
.~ 4 As shown in Figures 6A through 6C, the transverse top steel rods 11' o.f the grating, are straight rodnding transverse to the plane ofr the wheels of a vehicle positioned on the grating deck sections, or otherwise expressed, extend transversely to the long axis of the rectangular deck sections 12.
The upper rods 11' and the lower rods 11" define therebetween- rectangular openings 13 which receive the pairs of studs 19 an3 teeth 22 and constitute an engageable arresting means for the chock member 16.
The hooking fingers 35 of the cam latch 34 have an arcuate shaped lower edge 35' leading to a recessed throat section 35", within which the transverse steel rods 11' are engaged. Note that the longitudinal dimension of the opening 13 is approximately twice that of the studs 19, the teeth 22 and the hooking fingers 35 of the cam latch 34.
Referring again to the arresting studs 19, the clamping teeth 22 anal the lifter cams 38, it can be seen how the chock member 16 can be removed from entrapment between the grating panels 11 and the tire of a wheel 14 or 14' tY~at has shifted and come to rest against the chock f,3ce plate 24. The clamping teeth 22 cannot be disencraged from the rods 11 unless they move away from the -sire, which is not possible while the arresting ~:tuds 19 are fractionally engaged, as noted above. If the lifter cams 38 are fully rotated, causing tl-~e arresting studs 19 to lift and disengage from the transverse rods 11', the chock member 16 can be pulled away from the tire, allowing the sloped clamping tEaeth 22 to slide out of engagement with the transverse rods 11' and thereby freeing the chock from entrapment.
Referring now to Figures 2, 11A, 11B, 12 and 13, the adjustabi:Lity of the angulated face plate 24 may be understood. The load tansfer member 26 is pivotal:_y secured in a rear end 5 thereof about the axially rotatable cam rod 30'.
The load transfer members 26 have a gooseneck shape and define an angled front end chest portion 49.
The face plate 24 is pivotally connected to a top end of the chest portion 49 by pivot pin 25. The 10 face plate 24 is provided with a pair of engaging hook studs 50 spaced a~~art and projecting upwardly and away from the tire and located near a bottom edge of the plate 24. Each of these studs 50 engage a respective pair of a series of rectangular 15 cavities 51 provided in the front face 53 of the load transfer wall 23, as shown in Figure 11. The bottom edge of the plate 24 also rests on support ledges 5I' disposed below the cavities 51. The plate lower edge also has an undercut opening 99 to 20 provide a hand grip. The upward hook of the studs 50 and the support ledgE~s 51', best shown in Figure 11B, provide an important function in the dynamics of the control of the i:ransported vehicle upon an impact. When a vehicle is impacted into the chock 25 member 16, it tends to rise and through frictional contact between the tire and the top of the face plate 24 cause the face plate 24 to rotate such that the engagement st~.zds 50 disengage from the cavities 51. The upward hook instead catches the 30 upper edge of cavity 51, maintaining engagement.
If the impact is sufficiently severe, the vehicle wheel can rise and then fall causing a downward load on the face plate through frictional contact with the tire, in turn severely stressing the studs 35 50 where it is not for i:he support provided by the ledges 51'.
As shown in Ficrure 2, when the face plate 24 is at its lowest position 24', it.,is in direct contact with the load transfer' wall 23 and a large portion. of the load will be transferred directly to the base 18 with only a small portion) of the load going into the gooseneck members 26. When the face plate -24 is positioned to its highest position in the top part of the load transfer wall 23, the load is applied to the face plate 24 is distributed into both the load transfer gooseneck member 26 with a portion being distributed as wel.L into the top part of the load transfer wall 23 and into the base 18 via the ribs 55. Arcs 52 indicate the displacement and the three positions of the facie plate 24.
As previously mentioned, the angled face plate 24 is spring bia:~ed inwardly by a torsion spring assembly 28. as i7.lustrated in Figures 2, 13A
and 13B. The torsion spring assembly 28 consists of a torsion spring 60 wound at,out a free end of the pivot pin 25 outwardly of the paddle-shaped member l7 and retained captive thereon. The torsion spring 60 has an end 61 thereof restrained against a portion of the paddle-shaped member 17 whilst the other end 62 is restrained against a guide pin 63 which is engaged at its end 63' with the angled face plate 24. A guide slot 64 limits the forward displacement of the face plate 24 in the direction of arrow 27, as shown in Figure 2. The central bottom edge of the face plate 24 may be further provided with a finger insertion slot to permit engagement and disengagement of the face plate with the load t_~ansfer plate.
The paddle-shaped member 17 is formed integral with a top portion of the gooseneck shaped member 26, as illustrated more clearly in Figure 3, and has a smooth lateral rE~straining surface 66 which projects forwardly of one side of the face plate.
_. 17 _ This surface has a curved -end 67 to provide a smooth surface for contact with the inner side walls of the tires of the wheels of the vehicle supported on the grating 11. The paddle 17 could also be secured to the base independent of the front wall 24 and not be vertically displaceablea with the adjustable face plate 23.
As shown in Figures 2, 14 and 15, the grating 11 is formed by a series of elongated rectangular grating sections 12 which are closely spaced to define a narrow joint 65 therebetween and designed to be applied such that the spacing between cross bars is continuous throughout the length of the grating 11. These sections 12 are secured in spaced parallel relationship on each side of the deck of a transport vehicle, as illustrated in Figure 1, and have a predetermined widj:h to accommodate the wheels of all vehicles supportead thereover and permit the chock members 16 to be secured to the grating 11 adjacent the wheels throughout the length of the deck. These grating sections 12 are secured to the support surface 65' of the transport vehicle by elongated hinge connectors 68 located on the outboard side of the transport' vehicle. These hinge connectors 68 permit the grating section 12 to tilt upwardly, as shown in Figure 15. to facilitate the removal of snow or other debris from the support surface 65' of the transport vehicle. Chain "tie"
down channels 13 may be present on older transport vehicles and need not be removed to provide proper space for the grating section 12.
'Another feature of the grating design is the wave shape bf the lower rods whereby the upper surface of the wave is at the same elevation as the upper surface of the upper rods 11", therebw providing a trip-free surface for operator safety as well as continuous supF~ort for the tire treads.
preventing the formation of tread indentation, otherwise possible over e:~tended transport periods.
As shown in Figures 17 to 20, the elongated hinge connectors 68 are provided by an elongated hinge base strip 697 and a hinge keeper strip 70 which is secured thereovE~r by means of fasteners 71 which extend through the support surface 65'. The grating deck sections 12 are bent at~ their end portions 72 and have a hinge pin 73 welded therealong and adjacent the free encs 74 thereof. This hinge pin 73 is retained captivt~ in the trough portion 70' of the hinge keeper strip 70. These trough portions 70' are spaced apart alone the strip 69, and each has a projectin g tongue 70" which is retained captive in a slot 69' provided in a hinge end portion 69"'of the hinge base strip 69. Accordingly, the base strip 69 and the hinge keeper strip 70 are assembled together about the hinge pin 73 of the deck sections and then secured within the surface 65' by fasteners 71. The hinge keeper strips 70 can be assembled such that each half engages the opposite half of the underlying hinge base strips 69. ensuring continuity in the spacing of the hinge system and the joints between grating sections 12 so that chock members 16 can be applied over the joints. ,~s previously described, in order to clean debris on the support surface under the grating 11, the gral=ing section 12 is lifted upwardly on its hinge pin '~3 from its position of use as denoted by reference numeral 76 in Figure 17 to its outwardly hinged position as denoted by reference numeral 77. Thus, it is easy to clean snow or debris from under the grating 1._. Also. ice and sno~~:
clinging to the grating c~.n be removed by impacting the grating sections 12 on the support surface 65.
Summarizing t.~e .advantages of the chocking system of the present invention, by the use of four light-weight chock members 16 proximate the four wheels of a vehicle, there is provided balanced restraint relative to t:he center of gravity of the vehicle supported- on the grating 11, with the paddle-shaped members 17 positioned to extend along the inner side walls of the tires of the wheels 14, thus eliminating lateral shifting of the vehicle which is a major problen with chocking systems which are secured to wheels on a single side of a vehicle.
Any scuff marks that may result, due to vehicle shifting, are also on i:he inside wall of the tire.
As shown in Figure 1, additional chock members 16 may be positioned on opposed sides of two or all four wheels, when securing very heavy vehicles, as illustrated at 16' . Fi<~ure 1 also illustrates that vehicles having tandem wheels 14" can still be secured.
Another very ~.mportant characteristic of the present invention is the manner in which the chock member 16 is connected to the grating by simply placing the chock member 16 in position toward the tire in close proximity to the tire and simply rotating a lever 31. To disconnect the chock member 16, when it is loaded b~ .the weight of the vehicle acting upon the face plates with the studs 19 in tight frictional contact against the rods 11 of the decking, it is merely necessary to rotate the lever in the opposite direction to its vertical position to disconnect the hooking fingers 35 from the top rods 11' of the decking and then to rotate the lever 31 further to put in motion the lifter cams 38. which wedge the studs 19 out of ~=heir frictional engagement in the decking. To reenga~~e the chock member 16, the _ ;7p _ lever 31 is located vertically and it is then merely necessary for the user- to push the chock into engagement and rotate the lever 31 in order lock the chock back to the decking.
An important feature of the combination of the gooseneck shape in the load transfer member 26, and the angularity of tr.e load transfer wall 23 anti face plate 24, as well as its vertical adjustability, is that the entire assemfly can be fitted against the tires of a wheel, exten3ing high enough to restrain the vehicle in place while still clearing the lower body metal and ground effect projections normal on many automobiles.
Figure 2 illustrates the characteristics achieved by the adjustability of the angled face plate 24. As previously described, it is not necessary to utilize restraining straps about the wheels with the chocki:zg system of the present invention. The grating 11 also provides for a plurality of transversely aligned securement openings 13 so as to permit 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) incremental chock adjustability loth longitudinally and laterally. The chock member 16 of the present invention is also con:~tructed of a structural plastics material, making it very lightweight compared to metal_ Although only four chock members 16 are illustrated in Figure l, as previously described, it is envisaged that six or eight chock members 16 may be necessary for heavier vehicles.
The construction and secLrement of the deck grating 11 makes the system easily and readily clearable of snow and debris. As se.=n in Figure 21, storage panels 100 for storing t:~e chock member 16 can be provided. These are stamped substantially flat metal _. 21 plates. Along an upper and lower portion of the panel 100 are positioned upper and lower resilient tangs 102, 104 which slide into orifices 106 generally found in transport vehicle outboards walls 108:
When the tangs 102, 104 are engaged with the orifices 10E. the panel 100 can be simply tapped down into position. Ths resiliency of the tangs 102, 104 retains the panel 100 in place. Removal is a reversal of this proces:~. As can be seen, 'the panel 100 is further provided with horizontal bars 110. To store the chock members 16, the studs l9 and teeth 22 are brought into engagement with the horizontal bars 110 with the chock member in a vertical orientation.
Rotation of the lever 37 is thus sufficient, as noted above, to engage the firgers 35 of the cam latch 34, Thus, the same action restraining the chock member 16 relative to the grating 11 may be used to restrain, in storage the chock member 16 relative to the panel 100. removal is an described above, by opposite rotation of the lever 31 and release of the hooking fingers 25 of the cam latch 34.
It is within the ambit of the present invention to cover any o'.her obvious modifications of the preferred embodiment described herein provided such modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (9)
1. A grating member for use in combination with a wheel chocking system for restraining road vehicles being transported in a transport vehicle, said transport vehicle having a longitudinal axis and a support surface supporting said grating member to which a disengageable wheel chock having arresting studs, clamping teeth, and hooking fingers may be secured thereto to permit incremental disengageable wheel chock adjustability both longitudinally and laterally, said grating member comprising: an elongated rectangular deck section having a substantially planar upper support structure formed from connected, equidistantly spaced, perpendicular first and second sets of parallel rods defining therebetween rectangular openings for receiving said disengageable wheel chock, said first set of parallel rods containing upwardly formed portions between each of said second set of parallel rods, said upwardly formed portions defining a portion of said upper support structure such that said upper support structure is substantially free of trip hazards and further provides lateral engagement surfaces for said arresting stucs and said clamping teeth to prevent lateral movement of said disengageable wheel chock relative to said grating, said first set of parallel rods further disposed to support said second set of parallel rods relative said vehicle support surface providing a space to provide said clamping teeth and said hooking fingers an engagement clearance to engage a portion of said second set of parallel rods, and said second set of parallel rods further providing longitudinal engagement surfaces for said arresting studs to prevent longitudinal movement of said disengageable wheel chock relative said grating, and said deck section being capable of being hingedly secured in spaced parallel relationship relative to additional deck sections along longitudinal axis of said transport vehicle and being dimensioned to accommodate the wheels of a vehicle and permitting said disengageable wheel chock to be secured thereto adjacent said wheels to restrain said wheels and said transported vehicle from moving longitudinally relative to said grating member and said support surface.
2. The grating member for use in combination with a wheel chocking system of claim 1, wherein said disengageable wheel chock includes lateral restraining means extending inwardly in closely spaced relationship with a respective tire of said wheels to restrain said wheels and said transported vehicle from moving laterally relative said grating member and said support surface.
3. The grating member for use in combination with a wheel chocking system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rectangular deck section is secured along a longitudinal edge hinge rod thereof by an elongated hinge connector secured to said support surfaces of said transport vehicle, said elongated hinge connector permitting said deck section to be pivoted upwardly above said support surface.
4. The grating member for use in combination with a wheel chocking system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said elongated hinge connector comprises a hinge base strip and a hinge keeper strip overlapping said longitudinal side edge hinge rod of said deck section and rigidly interconnected to said hinge base strip, both said hinge base strip and said keeper strip being fixedly attached to said support surface, said hinge base strip and said hinge keeper strip thereby permitting said deck section to be pivoted upwardly above said support surface.
5. The grating member for use in combination with a wheel chocking system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said hinge base strip and said hinge keeper strip are both provided with lateral restraining notches for receiving one of said sets of parallel rods and permitting rotation of said deck section about said side edge hinge rod and to prevent longitudinal motion of said deck section, said one of said sets of parallel rods having a depending portion at one end providing series of supports for said longitudinal side edge hinge rod of said deck section.
6. The grating member for use in combination with a wheel chocking system a claimed in claim 5, wherein said sets of parallel rods are formed so that said rectangular openings provide for unrestricted rotation of said deck section within said lateral restraining notches of said hinge base strip and said hinge keeper strip and further provides a plurality of regular loading points between the sides of said lateral restraining notches and the sides of said one of said sets of parallel rods along the length of said deck section such that longitudinal loading of said deck section is transferred to said support surface evenly among said lateral restraining notches.
7. The grating member for use in combination with a wheel chocking system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second set of parallel rods extend transversely to the axis of said transport vehicle and are supported above said support surface, said disengageable wheel chock further comprising disengageable attachment members each comprising a biased hook member engageable with said second set of parallel rods and hand-actuable means to disengage said hook member from said second set of parallel rods.
8. The grating member for use in combination with a wheel chocking system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said hook member of said disengageable attachment members has an arcuately shaped lower edge leading to a recessed throat section in which said second set of parallel rods are capable of being captively received.
9. The grating member for use in combination with a wheel chocking system as claimed in claim 7, wherein each of said clamping teeth incorporate a recessed throat section for engagement with said second set of parallel rods.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/843,122 US5302063A (en) | 1992-02-28 | 1992-02-28 | Vehicle wheel chock |
| US843,122 | 1992-02-28 | ||
| CA002131193A CA2131193C (en) | 1992-02-28 | 1993-02-26 | Wheel chocking system for arresting road vehicles during transportation |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002131193A Division CA2131193C (en) | 1992-02-28 | 1993-02-26 | Wheel chocking system for arresting road vehicles during transportation |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2494898A1 CA2494898A1 (en) | 1993-09-02 |
| CA2494898C true CA2494898C (en) | 2006-03-21 |
Family
ID=34378547
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002494894A Expired - Fee Related CA2494894C (en) | 1992-02-28 | 1993-02-26 | Wheel chocking system for arresting road vehicles during transportation |
| CA002494898A Expired - Fee Related CA2494898C (en) | 1992-02-28 | 1993-02-26 | Wheel chocking system for arresting road vehicles during transportation |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002494894A Expired - Fee Related CA2494894C (en) | 1992-02-28 | 1993-02-26 | Wheel chocking system for arresting road vehicles during transportation |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (2) | CA2494894C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9126775B2 (en) * | 2010-03-31 | 2015-09-08 | Rite-Hite Holding Corporation | Latching mechanisms for removable chocks |
-
1993
- 1993-02-26 CA CA002494894A patent/CA2494894C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-02-26 CA CA002494898A patent/CA2494898C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2494894A1 (en) | 1993-09-02 |
| CA2494898A1 (en) | 1993-09-02 |
| CA2494894C (en) | 2006-07-11 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |