U.S. patent application number 15/468514 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-27 for transport wheel restraint.
The applicant listed for this patent is Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.. Invention is credited to Dwayne Joey Kennedy, James Hendrik Martin, William Dwayne Peach, Deron Arthur Weber, William Cody Willems.
Application Number | 20180273073 15/468514 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63582192 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180273073 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Martin; James Hendrik ; et
al. |
September 27, 2018 |
TRANSPORT WHEEL RESTRAINT
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for restraining the movement of
a wheeled transport apparatus using a restraining device. The
restraining device may include an elongated frame component having
an upstanding rear portion and a base portion. The base portion is
configured to be secured to a floor surface. A loading member may
be provided, located adjacent the elongated frame component. The
loading member defines a ramp surface to guide a rotational
movement of a wheel of the wheeled transport apparatus into a
receiving space. In certain aspects, the elongated frame component
comprises an angle iron defining a length and having a
substantially uniform L-shaped cross-section. The device may
further include a locking member pivotally coupled to the elongated
frame component and configured to retainingly engage a structural
component of the wheeled transport apparatus.
Inventors: |
Martin; James Hendrik;
(Cambridge, CA) ; Kennedy; Dwayne Joey;
(Kitchener, CA) ; Willems; William Cody;
(Waterloo, CA) ; Peach; William Dwayne;
(Kitchener, CA) ; Weber; Deron Arthur; (Cambridge,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America,
Inc. |
Erlanger |
KY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63582192 |
Appl. No.: |
15/468514 |
Filed: |
March 24, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62B 5/049 20130101;
B64D 11/0007 20130101; B60T 3/00 20130101; B65G 69/005 20130101;
B62B 5/0495 20130101; B60P 7/135 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B62B 5/04 20060101
B62B005/04; B60T 3/00 20060101 B60T003/00; B65G 69/00 20060101
B65G069/00 |
Claims
1. A restraining device for a wheeled transport apparatus, the
restraining device comprising: an elongated frame component having
an upstanding rear portion and a base portion configured to be
secured to a floor surface; a loading member located adjacent the
elongated frame component and defining a ramp surface to guide a
rotational movement of a wheel of the wheeled transport apparatus
into a receiving space defined by the elongated frame component and
the loading member; and a locking member pivotally coupled to the
elongated frame component and configured to retainingly engage a
structural component of the wheeled transport apparatus, wherein
the locking member defines an engagement portion outwardly
extending a distance from the upstanding rear portion and a locking
portion inwardly extending a distance from the upstanding rear
portion.
2. The restraining device according to claim 1, wherein the
elongated frame component and the loading member are formed as one
unitary, monolithic piece.
3. The restraining device according to claim 1, wherein the loading
member is movably coupled to the base portion of the elongated
frame component, rotatable about an axis.
4. The restraining device according to claim 1, wherein the
receiving space defines a channel extending an entirety of a length
of the elongated frame component.
5. The restraining device according to claim 1, wherein the loading
member defines a first ramp surface to guide the wheel into the
receiving space, and defines a second opposing ramp surface to
retain the wheel in the receiving space.
6. The restraining device according to claim 1, wherein the
elongated frame component comprises an angle iron defining a length
and having a substantially uniform L-shaped cross-section along the
length.
7. The restraining device according to claim 1, wherein the base
portion defines a plurality of spaced apart apertures configured
for receiving mechanical fasteners for securing the elongated frame
component to the floor surface.
8. The restraining device according to claim 1, wherein downward
and upward movement of the engagement portion pivots the locking
portion respectively between a locked position and an unlocked
position.
9. The restraining device according to claim 1, further comprising:
an actuator lever assembly, wherein the locking member is movably
coupled to the actuator lever assembly and configured to
retainingly engage a structural component of the wheeled transport
apparatus.
10. A restraining device for a wheeled transport apparatus, the
restraining device comprising: an elongated frame component having
an upstanding rear portion and a base portion configured to be
secured to a floor surface; a loading member located adjacent the
elongated frame component and defining a ramp surface to guide a
rotational movement of a wheel of the wheeled transport apparatus
into a receiving space defined by the elongated frame component and
the loading member; an actuator lever assembly; and a locking
member movably coupled to the actuator lever assembly and
configured to retainingly engage a structural component of the
wheeled transport apparatus, wherein the actuator lever assembly is
movably coupled to the upstanding rear portion of the elongated
frame component and comprises a pair of substantially planar,
spaced-apart engagement plates, and the locking member is rotatably
coupled to both the actuator lever assembly and the base portion of
the elongated frame component.
11. The restraining device according to claim 1, wherein the
wheeled transport apparatus is one of a transport vehicle, a
trailer, a dolly, a hand cart, a hand truck, a pallet jack.
12. The restraining device according to claim 1, wherein the
loading member is configured to withstand receiving a load of
greater than at least 1,000 pounds and comprises a resilient
material selected from the group consisting of at least one of
steel; iron; aluminum; rubber; plastic; and composites, mixtures,
and alloys thereof.
13. A restraining system for a wheeled transport apparatus, the
restraining system comprising: an elongated frame component having
an upstanding rear portion and a base portion configured to be
secured to a floor surface; an actuator lever assembly; a locking
member movably coupled to the actuator lever assembly and
configured to retainingly engage a structural component of the
wheeled transport apparatus, wherein the actuator lever assembly
comprises a first engagement plate configured for coordinated
movement with a portion of the wheeled transport apparatus to
engage the locking member, and a second engagement plate configured
to release the locking member from engagement with the structural
component of the wheeled transport apparatus.
14. The restraining system according to claim 13, further
comprising a loading member located adjacent the elongated frame
component and defining a ramp surface to guide a rotational
movement of a wheel of the wheeled transport apparatus into a
receiving space defined by the elongated frame component and the
loading member.
15. The restraining system according to claim 14, wherein the
actuator lever assembly is movably coupled to the upstanding rear
portion of the elongated frame component, and the locking member is
rotatably coupled to both the actuator lever assembly and the base
portion of the elongated frame component.
16. A restraining system for a wheeled transport apparatus, the
restraining system comprising: an elongated frame component having
an upstanding rear portion and a base portion configured to be
secured to a floor surface; an actuator lever assembly; a locking
member movably coupled to the actuator lever assembly and
configured to retainingly engage a structural component of the
wheeled transport apparatus; and a wheel chock located a
predetermined distance away from the elongated frame component and
configured to receive a wheel of the wheeled transport apparatus
concurrent with the locking member engaging the structural
component of the wheeled transport apparatus.
17. (canceled)
18. A method for restraining movement of a wheeled transport
apparatus, the method comprising: rolling the wheeled transport
apparatus adjacent a restraining system, the restraining system
comprising: an elongated frame component having an upstanding rear
portion and a base portion configured to be secured to a floor
surface; an actuator lever assembly having first and second
engagement plates; and a locking member movably coupled to the
actuator lever assembly and configured to retainingly engage a
structural component of the wheeled transport apparatus; aligning a
portion of the structural component of the wheeled transport
apparatus with the first engagement plate; and urging the
structural component of the wheeled transport apparatus against the
first engagement plate, thereby moving the first engagement plate
and causing a pivotal movement of the locking member that, in turn,
engages the structural component.
19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising
positioning a wheel of the wheeled transport apparatus within a
defined receiving space.
20. The method according to claim 18, further comprising moving the
second engagement plate of the actuator lever assembly in a
direction toward the wheeled transport apparatus and causing a
reverse pivotal movement of the locking member that, in turn,
releases an engagement with the structural component.
21. The method according to claim 18, wherein moving the first
engagement plate comprises moving the first engagement plate in a
direction toward the upstanding rear portion of the elongated frame
component.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a wheel
restraint system and, more particularly, to systems and methods of
braking a mobile transport vehicle, cart, or dolly.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The background description provided herein is for the
purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work
of the presently named inventors, to the extent it may be described
in this background section, as well as aspects of the description
that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing,
are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against
the present technology.
[0003] Mobile transport vehicles, such as dollies, hand carts, hand
trucks, and pallet jacks may be used to transport materials or
items throughout a facility, or used for various loading and
unloading purposes. Preventing a parked or stationary transport
vehicle from inadvertently moving forward or rearward is an
important safety consideration. In general, the most common wheel
restraint is simply a portable wheel chock that wedges between the
ground/roadway and the underside of the wheel. However, wheel
chocks may often slip out of position when the ground/roadway is
slippery due to oil or other debris, such as sand, gravel, or dirt
that may be present. Moreover, wheel chocks are usually loose items
that do not permanently attach to the loading dock area, so they
may often get misplaced. In other aspects, certain transport
vehicles may include a tow motor upon which a driver stands during
movement. In order to apply a pressure brake, the driver may have
to step off and leave his position, which may compromise safety in
a busy area, adversely affect ergonomics, and/or increase time and
expense.
[0004] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved
wheel restraint system that is still capable of meeting various
safety considerations.
SUMMARY
[0005] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure,
and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of
its features.
[0006] In various aspects, the present teachings provide a
restraining device for a wheeled transport apparatus. The
restraining device may include an elongated frame component having
an upstanding rear portion and a base portion. The base portion is
configured to be secured to a floor surface. A loading member may
be provided, located adjacent the elongated frame component. The
loading member defines a ramp surface to guide the rotational
movement of a wheel of the wheeled transport apparatus into a
receiving space. In certain aspects, the elongated frame component
comprises an angle iron defining a length and having a
substantially L-shaped cross-section. The device may further
include a locking member pivotally coupled to the elongated frame
component and configured to retainingly engage a portion of the
wheeled transport apparatus.
[0007] In other aspects, the present teachings provide a
restraining system for a wheeled transport apparatus. The
restraining system may include an elongated frame component having
an upstanding rear portion and a base portion configured to be
secured to a floor surface. The system may further include an
actuator lever assembly and a locking member. The locking member
may be movably coupled to the actuator lever, and be configured to
retainingly engage a structural component of the wheeled transport
apparatus. The actuator lever assembly may be movably coupled to
the rear portion of the elongated frame component, and the locking
member may be rotatably coupled to both the actuator lever assembly
and the base portion of the elongated frame component.
[0008] In still other aspects, the present teachings provide a
method for restraining movement of a wheeled transport apparatus.
The method may include rolling the wheeled transport apparatus
adjacent a restraining system. The restraining system may include
an elongated frame component having an upstanding rear portion and
a base portion. The base portion is configured to be secured to a
floor surface. An actuator lever assembly may be provided having
first and second engagement plates. A locking member may be
provided, movably coupled to the actuator lever assembly and
configured to retainingly engage a structural component of the
wheeled transport apparatus. The method may include aligning the
structural component of the wheeled transport apparatus with the
first engagement plate. The method further includes urging the
structural component of the wheeled transport apparatus against the
first engagement plate, moving the first engagement plate toward
the upstanding rear portion of the frame component and causing a
pivotal movement of the locking member that, in turn, engages the
structural component.
[0009] Further areas of applicability and various methods of
enhancing the above technology will become apparent from the
description provided herein. The description and specific examples
in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and
are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present teachings will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one exemplary restraining
device according to the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the wheel restraint
device taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 according to a first
aspect;
[0013] FIGS. 2B-2C are cross-sectional views of the wheel restraint
device taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 according to a second
aspect where the loading member is movably coupled to the base
portion;
[0014] FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the wheel restraint
device taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 according to a third
aspect where the elongated frame component and the loading member
are formed as one component;
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a wheel of a transport vehicle disposed
within a receiving space defined by the restraining device as shown
in FIG. 2A;
[0016] FIG. 4A illustrates a side schematic view of a wheel
restraint device similar to that shown in FIG. 1, further including
a locking member pivotally coupled to the elongated frame component
for engaging and retaining a structural component of the wheeled
transport apparatus;
[0017] FIG. 4B illustrates a side schematic view of the wheel
restraint device of FIG. 4A with the locking member in an engaged
position;
[0018] FIG. 5A illustrates a side schematic view of a wheel
restraining device according to another aspect of the present
disclosure and includes an actuator lever assembly and a locking
member in a first position;
[0019] FIG. 5B illustrates the wheel restraining device of FIG. 5A
in an intermediate second position as it engages a structural
component of the transport vehicle;
[0020] FIG. 5C illustrates the wheel restraining device of FIG. 5A
in a locked position;
[0021] FIG. 5D illustrates another aspect of the disclosure with an
alternate, chock-type, loading member;
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a side schematic view of an additional
aspect of the wheel restraining device without using an elongated
frame component; and
[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a side schematic view of yet another
aspect, with the L-shaped elongated frame component facing the
opposite direction as that of FIG. 1.
[0024] It should be noted that the figures set forth herein are
intended to exemplify the general characteristics of the methods,
algorithms, and devices among those of the present technology, for
the purpose of the description of certain aspects. These figures
may not precisely reflect the characteristics of any given aspect,
and are not necessarily intended to define or limit specific
embodiments within the scope of this technology. Further, certain
aspects may incorporate features from a combination of figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The present technology generally provides a restraining
device for a wheeled transport apparatus. In various aspects, the
restraining device may be permanently affixed or coupled to a
floor, a ground surface, or the like. The restraining device may
ultimately define a receiving space for receiving at least one
wheel of a transport vehicle, and may include an elongated frame
component having an upstanding rear portion and a base portion. The
base portion is typically configured to be secured to the floor or
ground surface. A loading member may be provided, located adjacent
the elongated frame component. The loading member may define a ramp
surface to guide the rotational movement of a wheel of the wheeled
transport apparatus into a receiving space. In certain aspects, the
elongated frame component comprises an angle iron defining a length
and having a substantially L-shaped cross-section. The device may
further include a locking member pivotally coupled to the elongated
frame component and configured to retainingly engage a portion of
the wheeled transport apparatus.
[0026] With reference to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view
of one exemplary restraining device 20 according to a first aspect
of the present disclosure. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the
wheel restraint device taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1. As
shown, the device 20 includes an elongated frame component 22 that
has an upstanding rear portion 24 and a base portion 26 that is
shown as being substantially perpendicular to the upstanding rear
portion 24. The height (H) of the rear portion 24 and width (W) of
the base portion 26 may vary depending upon the size of the wheels
of the transport vehicle to be restrained. In various aspects, the
wheeled transport apparatus may be one of a transport vehicle, a
trailer, a dolly, a hand cart, a hand truck, a pallet jack, and the
like. Common wheel sizes may include 4 inch and 8 inch diameter
wheels. In the example of a 4 inch wheel, the upstanding rear
portion 24 may be about 5 inches high, and the base portion 26 may
be about 3 inches wide.
[0027] The overall length dimension of the restraining device 20
may vary depending on the location of installation and the desired
number of transport vehicles that the device 20 will service at one
time. The thickness of the elongated frame component 22 may vary
depending on the type of transport vehicle and the amount of load
carried thereon, and can typically range from about 1/4 inch, to
about 3/8 inch, and up to about 1/2 inches, or greater. In various
aspects, the elongated frame member 22 may be made of commercially
available angle iron having a substantially uniform L-shaped
cross-section along its length. The base portion 26 of the
elongated frame component 22 may be provided with a plurality of
spaced apart apertures 28 that provide means for a plurality of
mechanical fasteners 30 to fixedly secure the base portion 26 to
the ground or floor surface 32. In other aspects, the base portion
26 may be secured with an appropriate adhesive, or the like. In
certain aspects, if is it desired to place the restraining device
20 adjacent a step, curb, or the like, it may be appropriate to
mechanically secure the upstanding rear portion 24 to the step or
curb, either in addition to, or in place of fixedly securing the
base portion 26 to the floor surface 32.
[0028] A loading member 34 may be provided, located adjacent the
base portion 26 of the elongated frame component 22. The loading
member 32 may define a planar bottom surface 36, and define at
least one ramp surface 38 that may serve to guide a rotational
movement of the wheel(s) 40 (FIG. 3) of the transport apparatus 42
into a receiving space 44 that is defined by at least a portion of
the elongated frame component 22 and the loading member 34. As
shown in FIG. 2A, the loading member 34 may be a separate
component, arranged having a proximal edge 46 of the loading member
34 placed adjacent to an edge 48 of the base portion 26 of the
elongated frame component 22. The respective edges 46, 48 may be
directly adjacent, or in contact with one another, or they be
separated by a predetermined distance. In other aspects, the
elongated frame member 22 may be oriented in a reverse
configuration, where the base portion 26 faces the opposite
direction, and thus is not in direct contact the loading member 34,
as will be discussed with respect to FIG. 7, below. The loading
member 34 may be separately secured to the floor or ground surface
32 using mechanical fasteners or an adhesive, as described above.
In various aspects, the loading member 34 is rated and configured
to withstand receiving a load of greater than at least 1,000
pounds, or greater than about 2,500 pounds, or even greater than
about 4,000 pounds. Depending on the rating and load requirements,
the loading member 34 may be made of a suitable resilient material
selected from the group consisting of at least one of steel; iron;
aluminum; rubber; plastic; and composites, mixtures, and alloys
thereof. Various portions of the restraining device 20 may be
painted or otherwise coated in order to protect the finish of the
device 20, such as preventing corrosion, and/or to provide visible
indications for safety considerations.
[0029] FIG. 2B-2C are cross-sectional views of the wheel restraint
device taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 according to a second
aspect where the loading member 34 is movably coupled to the base
portion 26. For example, a hinge 50 or suitable coupling mechanism
may be provided for rotational movement of the loading member 34
about an axis with respect to the elongated frame component 22. In
various aspects, the loading member 34 may be rotated in an upward
direction, as indicated by directional arrow A in FIG. 2B, and rest
adjacent the upstanding rear portion 24 in order to save space
while not in use as shown in FIG. 2C. In this regard, the loading
member 34 may be replaced with different sizes, if appropriate.
[0030] FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the wheel restraint
device taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 according to a third
aspect where the elongated frame component 22 and the loading
member are formed as one component. In this regard, it may be
desired that the elongated frame component 22 and the loading
member 34 are formed as one unitary, monolithic piece, for example,
using extrusion, molding, or suitable casting techniques.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the elongated frame component 22
and the loading member 34 cooperate to define the receiving space
44 to accept and retain at least one wheel 40 of the transport
apparatus 42. In various aspects, the receiving space 44 may define
a channel 54, best shown in FIG. 1, extending an entirety of a
length dimension of the elongated frame component 22. FIG. 3
illustrates a wheel 40 of a transport apparatus 42 (only partially
depicted) disposed within a receiving space 44 defined by the
restraining device 20 as shown in FIG. 2A. As shown, the loading
member 34 may define a first ramp surface 38 to guide the wheel 40
into the receiving space 44 and a second opposing ramp surface 56
to retain the wheel 40 within the receiving space 44, and to assist
guiding the wheel back up and out of the receiving space 44 when it
is desired to move the transport apparatus 42 out from its resting
position in the restraining device 20. The ramp surfaces 38, 56 may
vary in size and shape. A small apex area 58 may be provided
between the first and second ramp surfaces 38, 56. In various
aspects, the wheel 40 may be in contact with, and held in place by,
both the upstanding rear wall 24 and the opposing ramp surface
56.
[0032] FIG. 4A illustrates a side schematic view of a wheel
restraint device similar to that shown in FIG. 1, further including
a locking member 60 pivotally coupled to the elongated frame
component 34 at an axis 62. The locking member 60 may be shaped in
a variety of different designs, as long as it is configured for
engaging and retaining a structural component of the wheeled
transport apparatus 42. In one example, the structural component
could be an extension 64 from the underside of a frame of the
transport apparatus 42. As shown, the locking member 60 may define
an engagement portion 66, for example, outwardly extending a
distance from the upstanding rear portion 26, and a locking portion
68 inwardly extending a distance from the upstanding rear portion
26. The upstanding rear portion 26 may be provided with a suitable
aperture to enable the passage and rotational movement of the
locking member 60 between operational positions. In operation, the
downward and upward movement of the engagement portion 66, for
example, with movement initiated by a user's foot or the like,
pivots the locking portion 68 respectively between a locked
position and an unlocked position.
[0033] FIG. 4B illustrates the wheel restraint device of FIG. 4A
with the locking member 60 in an engaged, or locked position. In
various aspects, the locking portion 68 may define a cut-out 70, a
lip, or any other similar retaining feature configured to
retainingly engage a cooperating portion or structural component 64
of the transport vehicle 42. One or more biasing members may also
be provided to urge and/or retain the locking member 60 in a
desired locked or unlocked position.
[0034] FIG. 5A illustrates a side schematic view of a wheel
restraining device 20 according to another aspect of the present
disclosure, in a first, unlocked position. As shown, the device 20
includes an actuator lever assembly 74 configured to engage and
release the locking member 60 that is movably coupled to the
actuator lever assembly 74. For example, the locking member 60 is
similarly movable between various positions to retainingly engage a
structural component 72 of the transport apparatus 42. In various
aspects, the actuator assembly 74 may include a pair of
spaced-apart, substantially planar engagement plates 76, 78 joined
with a coupling member 80 that may extend through an aperture
defined in the upstanding rear portion 24 of the elongated frame
component 22.
[0035] In the non-limiting example shown, a bottom portion 82 of
the locking member 60 may be movably coupled to the base portion 26
of the elongated frame component 22 at a bottom hinge 82, or with a
similar type of fastening mechanism. A mid-central region 84 of the
locking member is also hingedly coupled to an intermediate linkage
86 that is, in turn, hingedly coupled to the actuator lever
assembly 74, for example, at the bottom region 88 of the first
engagement plate 76.
[0036] In operation, the first engagement plate 76 defines an outer
surface 77a that is configured for alignment with and coordinated
movement with a lower portion 90 of the wheeled apparatus 42. For
example, after aligning the lower portion 90 with the outer surface
77a of the first engagement plate 76, the lower portion 90 can be
further urged against the plate 76 in a direction toward the
upstanding rear portion 24 as shown by the directional arrow B in
FIG. 5B. The engagement plate 76 can continue to move in direction
B until the inner surface 77b meets up against the upstanding rear
portion 24. As the engagement plate 76 moves, the intermediate
linkage 86 is also moved which, in turn, rotates the locking member
60 upward toward a locking position.
[0037] When it is desired to unlock and release the engagement of
the structural component of the transport apparatus, the second
engagement plate 78 needs to be urged in a direction toward the
transport apparatus 42. In one example, a user may press the outer
surface 79b of the second engagement plate 78, which in turn,
causes a reverse pivotal movement of the locking member 60. This
action releases the locking member from engagement with the
structural component and moves the outer surface 77a of the first
plate 76 against the exterior of the transport apparatus.
[0038] FIG. 5B illustrates the wheel restraining device of FIG. 5A
in an intermediate position as the first engagement plate 76 makes
contact with a structural component 90 of the transport apparatus
42, and the transport apparatus 42 is urged in a direction toward
the upstanding rear portion 24. FIG. 5C illustrates the wheel
restraining device of FIG. 5A in a fully locking position. FIG. 5D
illustrates yet a further embodiment with an alternative loading
member 92 comprising first and second upstanding ramp portions 94,
96 that may serve similar in nature and function to a traditional
wheel chock device. As discussed above, with reference to FIGS.
2A-2C, the alternative loading member 92 may be located adjacent
the elongated frame component 22, may be movably coupled to the
elongated frame component 22, or there may be a separation distance
there between. In still other aspects, the elongated frame
component 22 and the alternative loading member 92 may be formed as
one monolithic component, for example, using extrusion, molding, or
casting techniques.
[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates a side schematic view of yet another
aspect of the wheel restraining device without using any elongated
frame component. In this aspect, the wheel 40 of a transport
apparatus may be placed between a curb 100 or step area and a
modified loading member 98 may be used, secured to the floor 32
using mechanical fasteners or adhesive as described above. The
modified loading member 98 may define similar ramp surfaces to both
ease the wheel into a receiving space and maintain the wheel 40
between the curb 100 and the loading member 98.
[0040] Lastly, FIG. 7 illustrates yet another aspect of the present
technology, where the L-shaped elongated frame component 22 is
oriented in the opposite direction, and where the base portion 26
does not come into contact with the loading member 34, but still
cooperates to define a wheel retention space to prevent movement of
a transport apparatus.
[0041] The present disclosure also relates to methods of
restraining a wheel of a wheeled transport apparatus. The method
may include rolling the wheeled transport apparatus 42 adjacent a
restraining system 20. The restraining system may include an
elongated frame component 22 having an upstanding rear portion 24
and a base portion 26. The base portion 26 may be configured to be
secured to a floor surface 32, as discussed above. A loading member
34 may be located adjacent the elongated frame member 22, and
include one or more ramp surfaces 38, 56. The end wheel 40 of the
transport apparatus 42 may be urged over a first ramp surface 38
and retained between a second ramp surface 56 and the upstanding
rear wall portion 24 as shown in FIG. 3.
[0042] In certain other aspects, a locking member 60 can be
provided to additionally secure the wheeled transport apparatus 42
as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B. In still other aspects, an actuator lever
assembly 74 may be provided having first and second engagement
plates 76, 78. A locking member 60 may be provided, movably coupled
to the actuator lever assembly 74 and configured to retainingly
engage a structural component 72 of the wheeled transport apparatus
42. The methods may include aligning an exterior portion 90 of the
structural component 72 of the wheeled transport apparatus 42 with
the first engagement plate 76. The method further includes urging
the exterior portion 90 of the structural component 72 of the
wheeled transport apparatus 42 against the first engagement plate,
thereby moving the first engagement plate 76 toward the upstanding
rear portion 24 of the elongated frame component 22 and causing a
pivotal movement of the locking member 60 that, in turn, engages an
adjacent portion of the structural component 72. The method may
further include positioning the wheel 40 of the wheeled transport
apparatus 42 within a defined receiving space 44, which may include
locating the wheel 40 adjacent a ramp surface of a suitable loading
member.
[0043] In various aspects when it is desired to release the
transport apparatus 42, a user may urge the second engagement plate
78 of the actuator lever assembly 74 in a direction toward the
wheeled transport apparatus 42 and causing a reverse pivotal
movement of the locking member 60 that, in turn, releases the
engagement with the structural component 72. The transport
apparatus 42 can then be further moved in a direction away from the
restraining device 20.
[0044] The foregoing description is provided for purposes of
illustration and description and is in no way intended to limit the
disclosure, its application, or uses. It is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or
features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to
that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are
interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if
not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in
many ways. Such variations should not be regarded as a departure
from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the disclosure.
[0045] As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C
should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a
non-exclusive logical "or." It should be understood that the
various steps within a method may be executed in different order
without altering the principles of the present disclosure.
Disclosure of ranges includes disclosure of all ranges and
subdivided ranges within the entire range, including the
endpoints.
[0046] The headings (such as "Background" and "Summary") and
sub-headings used herein are intended only for general organization
of topics within the present disclosure, and are not intended to
limit the disclosure of the technology or any aspect thereof. The
recitation of multiple embodiments having stated features is not
intended to exclude other embodiments having additional features,
or other embodiments incorporating different combinations of the
stated features.
[0047] As used herein, the terms "comprise" and "include" and their
variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of
items in succession or a list is not to the exclusion of other like
items that may also be useful in the devices and methods of this
technology. Similarly, the terms "can" and "may" and their variants
are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation that an
embodiment can or may comprise certain elements or features does
not exclude other embodiments of the present technology that do not
contain those elements or features.
[0048] The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be
implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure
includes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure
should not be so limited since other modifications will become
apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the
specification and the following claims. Reference herein to one
aspect, or various aspects means that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with an
embodiment or particular system is included in at least one
embodiment or aspect. The appearances of the phrase "in one aspect"
(or variations thereof) are not necessarily referring to the same
aspect or embodiment. It should be also understood that the various
method steps discussed herein do not have to be carried out in the
same order as depicted, and not each method step is required in
each aspect or embodiment.
* * * * *