Wheel chock

Abstract

A wheel chock has an elongated body with a triangularly shaped cross section defined by the widths of a flat bottom surface and a pair of flat side members. A first end of the body has integral handle means extending away from the bottom surface and having grip means positioned a preselected distance from the bottom surface. The other end of the body is flat and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body to facilitate the optional standing the body “on end”.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is a wheel chock. It perhaps may be assumed that, shortly after the invention of the wheel, a wheel chock was devised (perhaps a stone, rock or tree branch) as a safety device to prevent the wheel from rotating with respect to its support, e.g., the earth.

[0002] Safety wheel chocks abound; they are frequently used to prevent multi-wheeled vehicles like trucks, aircraft and automobiles from moving away from an “at rest” position, the undesired movement being possible because of non-level vehicle support, or (especially for aircraft) wind or engine thrust forces. Aircraft safety wheel chocks are essentially mandatory for obvious safety and regulatory reasons and there have been a number of prior art aircraft wheel chocks, all of which have one or more disadvantages or shortcomings.

[0003] Our invention provides a unique wheel chock having a number of significant advantages not found in the prior art wheel chocks. Our invention is especially applicable as a wheel chock for aircraft but is not limited to that field of use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Our invention provides a wheel chock having an elongated, longitudinally extending body having a flat bottom and a pair of flat sides joined at a junction spaced from the bottom. The body has a generally triangularly shaped cross-section. The body has two ends. The first end is flat and transverse with respect of the transverse axis which facilitates the option of the body being set vertically upright for orderly, standby availability (when not in use to chock a wheel and/or in preparation for the body to be moved to a different location, e.g., another wheel or storage). The other end of the body has handle means which facilitates (a) efficient and safe initial manual positioning of the wheel chock with respect to a “target” wheel and subsequent removal therefrom, and (b) efficient and convenient manual transport of one or more wheel chocks.

[0005] In the preferred embodiment, the pair of flat sides are of equal transverse width to thus produce, in combination with the flat bottom, an isosceles triangularly shaped cross-section with the transverse width of the flat bottom being greater than that of the sides.

[0006] The handle means comprises grip support means having a pair of spaced apart parallel projections extending at an angle a preselected distance from said flat bottom, and grip means connected to and between the projections. In the preferred embodiment the grip means is positioned essentially in alignment with the junction between the pair of flat sides; this provides significant advantages in the usage of the wheel chock as will be described below.

[0007] The invention also may include optional pad means for the bottom of the chock. Another alternative is to have metal cleat means attached to the bottom of the chock.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a pair of identical wheel chocks 10 and 10′ which depict the preferred embodiment of our invention;

[0009] FIG. 2 is an illustration of the pair of identical wheel chocks with the grip means of each in abutting relationship and gripped by a human hand H;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of wheel chock 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the wheel chock of FIG. 3 as viewed along section lines 4-4 thereof;

[0012] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a single aircraft wheel chocked by a pair of chocks embodying our invention;

[0013] FIG. 6 is an end view of wheel chock 10 as viewed from end 20 thereof;

[0014] FIG. 7 is an end view of an alternate configuration of a chock;

[0015] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the wheel chock of FIG. 3 as viewed along section lines 8-8 thereof;

[0016] FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of our invention, i.e., a bottom view of a wheel chock with an auxiliary pad attached thereto;

[0017] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the chock of FIG. 9 as viewed along section lines 10-10 thereof;

[0018] FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of our invention;

[0019] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the chock of FIG. 11 as viewed along section lines 11-11 thereof;

[0020] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of our invention, i.e., a cross-sectional view of a standoff or post of a chock to which is attached a cleat for improved contact with the supporting surface, e.g., the ground surface; and

[0021] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the cleat of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, the descriptor AA refers to a pair of identical wheel chocks 10 and 10′ shown in a vertical, spaced apart orientation and supported on the ground surface GS. A set of mutually perpendicular axes, i.e., longitudinal axis LA, transverse axis TA, and vertical or height axis VA are provided in FIG. 1 to facilitate the description of the wheel chocks. The wheel chock 10 has an elongated body 10B extending longitudinally along the longitudinal axis LA; thus, in FIG. 1, the body's longitudinal axis LA is actually vertically oriented with respect to the earth.

[0023] The wheel chock elongated body 10B has a preselected length, a flat bottom 12 and a pair of flat sides 14 and 16 which are angled or sloped away from the bottom 12 toward each other and are connected or joined at a longitudinally extending junction 17 as is best depicted in FIGS. 6 and 8; the body 10B having a generally triangularly shaped cross-section. In the preferred embodiment, the sides 14 and 16 are of equal width, this dimension being somewhat less than the width of the bottom 12 to thus create an isosceles triangular shape. However, other configurations are within the scope of this invention. For example the flat sides could be of different widths as is depicted in FIG. 7. Also, the widths of the flat sides could be the same as the width of the bottom 12 so that the cross section would have the shape of an equilateral triangle (not shown).

[0024] As indicated, the preferred embodiment of our invention provides that the bottom 12 of the body have a greater width than the widths of the flat sides; this configuration is preferred because it facilitates a greater surface area and hence superior skid resistance, i.e., resists the body from being pushed along the surface on which it is placed by the wheel.

[0025] The body 10B has first and second ends 18 and 20. A handle means 30 is integral with said first end 18 and comprises grip support means 32 extending at an angle, i.e., sloped with respect to the bottom of the body. The grip support means includes a pair of spaced apart, parallel extensions 36 and 38 which extend from a central surface 34 and grip means 40 connected to and between the ends of the extensions 36 and 38. The preferred embodiment of our invention positions the grip means 40 substantially in alignment with the longitudinally extending junction 17; this is very advantageous because it facilitates a pair or wheel chocks to be carried by one human hand H as is depicted in FIG. 2.

[0026] The other end 20 of the body is preferably flat and transverse to the longitudinal axis LA. The end 20 thus facilitates, when desired, the wheel chock 10 to be set on end. In this case, the chock will be stable as the axis of the center of gravity thereof will be within the periphery of end 20. Also this feature of the invention facilitates a plurality of wheel chocks to be efficiently stored in a minimum storage area. Further it permits a pair of chocks to be positioned as shown in FIG. 2 in preparation for manual transport, as aforesaid.

[0027] The body is preferably an integral, unitary member and may be advantageously fabricated using a plastic injection molding process. A preferred plastic material is high density polypropylene blended with an elastomer.

[0028] In order to provide appropriate mechanical strength for the body, the body could be of solid configuration. However, we have found that the weight of the chock can be reduced with no sacrifice of the desired mechanical strength; this can be achieved by having the core of the body compartmentalized with a plurality of voids defined by a plurality of partition-like members and, very importantly, the bottom skid resistance is dramatically improved. Thus, the body 10B has a plurality of voids V extending along the vertical axis VA toward, but not reaching the flat sides 14 and 16. The voids are defined by a plurality of vertically oriented partitions P. The voids, as depicted have a transverse cross-section with the shape of an equilateral triangle; this is advantageous from the standpoint of the mechanical strength of the body. However, other configurations for the partitions and the resulting voids are within the scope of our invention.

[0029] The handle means may also have voids VH to reduce weight of the body and to facilitate the injection molding process.

[0030] FIG. 5 shows chocks 10 and 10′ deployed on opposite faces of a wheel W forming part of a landing gear LG to prevent wheel movement. FIG. 5 also shows an optional tethering cord, rope or the like T connected at its ends to each of the chocks as is detailed in FIGS. 3 and 4 where the cord T is depicted passing through a hole T′ adjacent to surface 34, into one of the voids, and restrained against withdrawal by a knot T″ at its end.

[0031] Each of the flat sides 14 and 16 of the chock are shown with optional sets of longitudinally extending ridges 14′ and 16′ which facilitates improved engagement of the wheel chock with a wheel circumferential surface, e.g., the tire of an aircraft; see FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6, and 8.

[0032] The generally triangularly shaped cross-section of the chocks functions, when receiving transverse force from an engaged wheel, to direct a component of the force down, along the vertical axis VA, to press the bottom 12 of the chock against the ground; this is advantageous for it increases the skid resistance of the chock. The chocks may be deployed as shown in FIGS. 1 through 8, with the bottom 12 thereof in direct contact with the ground surface GS.

[0033] A modification of our invention is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10; here a resilient flat pad member 126 covers, and is attached to, the bottom 12 of the body 10B. The purpose of the pad member 12 is to increase the skid resistance of the chock to lateral forces. A plurality of standoff attachment means or posts 21 are integral with the partitions P and are deployed around the bottom 12 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Each post 21 has a central, vertically extending bore 23. The pad member 126 may be of suitable resilient inaterial; a thickness in the range of one-quarter of an inch to three-eighths of an inch has been found satisfactory.

[0034] The pad member 126 is preferably attached to the body with a plurality of self-tapping screws (preferably stainless steel) threaded respectively into a plurality of bores 23 of standoff attachment means 21.

[0035] An alternate attachment means (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10) is for pad member 126 to include, on the surface thereof facing the bottom 12 of the chock, a plurality of integral, molded fasteners 126′ which are respectively deployed to be aligned with, inserted into, and fastened to a plurality of bores 23 of posts 21.

[0036] An alternate for the resilient pad member 126 is the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 wherein a plurality of individual resilient pads 130 are respectively attached to the bottom of the chock with either self-tapping screws (not shown) or integral molded fasteners 130′ inserted into a corresponding plurality of bores 23 in posts 21.

[0037] Another anti-skid chock embodiment which is especially advantageous for cold weather and other scenarios, where the ground surface could smooth, slippery and possibly icy, is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. A plurality of metal cleats 140 (only one is shown) are attached to a chock by a plurality of self-tapping screws 144 screwed respectively into a plurality of bores 23 of the posts 21. Each cleat 140 has a base portion 141 which is preferably circular with a preselected diameter from which depend a plurality of sharp pointed claws or teeth 142 arranged around the periphery thereof as is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The base portion 141 has a central opening 141′ to permit the passage of the threaded shank of the self-tapping screws 142 into the bores 23. A chock fitted with a plurality of cleats 140 will significantly assist in holding the chock in place (resisting transverse forces) even if the chock is resting on a slippery, e.g., icy, surface because the claws or teeth 142 thereof will imbed into, and thus grip the ice. The cleats 140 and the screws 142 can be of any suitable material; stainless steel is preferred.

[0038] One of the advantages of our invention is that the posts 21 permit choices available for the user. The chock may be placed on the ground without any additional means connected to the posts 21, i.e., the bottom 12 would be in direct contact with the ground. Alternatively, the embodiments of pad 126, pads 130, or cleats 140 may be selectively used according to environmental circumstances; changing from one embodiment to another is easily accomplished when the attachment means utilize self-tapping screws.

[0039] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the dimensions of the chock are dictated by the intended use. For example, the longitudinal length, width of the bottom, and width of sides of the chock may be varied to harmonize with the axial width and diameter of the tire/wheel with which the chock is to engage. The longitudinal length of the body of a chock can also preselected to enable the chock to engage the faces of a dual wheeled landing gear, not shown.

[0040] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be understood that variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the inventive concept. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A wheel chock comprising an elongated body member extending along a longitudinal axis and having (a) a generally triangularly shaped cross section, (b) a flat bottom and a pair of generally flat sides generally defining said generally triangularly shaped cross section, (c) first and second ends, and (d) handle means integrally connected to said body at one of said ends, said wheel chock being further characterized by (i) the other of said ends being flat and transverse to said longitudinal axis to enable said body member to be set vertically upright on flat support means, (ii) said pair of flat sides being of equal longitudinal length, of preselected transverse widths, and being mutually connected along a longitudinally extending junction spaced a preselected transverse distance from said flat bottom of said body member, and (iii) said handle means comprising (1) grip support means extending at a preselected angle (with respect to said longitudinal axis) from said bottom and having a central surface and two spaced apart, parallel projections extending from said central surface, and (2) grip means connected to and between said projections and spaced from said central surface.

2. The wheel chock of claim 1 wherein said grip means is positioned substantially in alignment with said longitudinally extending junction.

3. The wheel chock of claim 1 wherein said body member is unitary, is fabricated, using injection molding, of high density polyethylene plastic, and has a plurality of voids extending from said flat bottom toward said pair of said flat sides, said voids being defined by a plurality of partition-like members.

4. The wheel chock of claim 3 wherein said voids are of triangular cross section.

5. The wheel chock of claim 4 wherein said grip support means, said two spaced apart, parallel projections, and said grip means of said handle means each have a plurality of voids.

6. The wheel chock of claim 1 wherein said pair of flat sides are of equal transverse width.

7. The wheel chock of claim 1 wherein said pair of flat sides have a plurality of longitudinally extending ridges.

8. The wheel chock of claim 1 wherein said longitudinally extending junction is flat and parallel to said flat bottom.

9. The wheel chock of claim 1 wherein (a) said flat bottom has a preselected longitudinal length and a preselected transverse width, and (b) said grip means and said two spaced apart, parallel projections collectively extend transversely a distance substantially equal to said transverse width of said flat bottom of said body member.

10. The wheel chock of claim 1 wherein said central surface is a preselected distance from said flat bottom surface.

11. The wheel chock of claim 2 wherein (when two of said wheel chocks are positioned with said longitudinally extending junctions thereof in close abutting relationship) said grip means of said wheel chocks will be in close near abutting relationship to facilitate a single human hand to grip and move said wheel chocks.

12. The wheel chock of claim 3 wherein said partitions include a plurality of reinforced standoff means.

13. The wheel chock of claim 12 in combination with support means connected to said standoff means.

14. The wheel chock of claim 13 wherein said support means comprises a plurality of pad members connected respectively to said plurality of reinforced standoff means.

15. The wheel chock of claim 13 wherein said support means comprises a resilient pad sized the same as the size of said bottom and connected to said plurality of reinforced standoff means.

16. The wheel chock of claim 12 in combination with a plurality of cleats respectively connected to said plurality of reinforced standoff means.

17. The wheel chock of claim 12 in combination with cleat means connected to at least one of said plurality of reinforced standoff means.