Patents by Inventor Ben Wieberdink
Ben Wieberdink has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9586771Abstract: Vehicle restraints with underside catches are disclosed. An example vehicle restraint includes a main body and a barrier. The barrier includes a proximal end, and a distal end. The distal end is selectively movable to a first blocking position, a plurality of extended blocking positions, and a stored position. The example vehicle restraint also includes an engageable feature. The example vehicle restraint further includes a stop. The stop is to engage the engageable feature when the distal end is at the first blocking position while the stop is at a holding position. The stop is spaced apart from the engageable feature when the distal end is at the first blocking position while the stop is at a release position. The stop is spaced apart from the engageable feature when the distal end is in the stored position.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2014Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Andrew Brooks, Ben Wieberdink, Kyle Nelson, Norbert Hahn
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Patent number: 9150367Abstract: Some example vehicle restraints that include a movable barrier for selectively blocking a vehicle's RIG (Rear Impact Guard) near the dock face of a loading dock also include a spring loaded brace that helps hold the barrier in its blocking position, even when the RIG separates from the barrier. To hold the brace in its activated position where it supports the barrier, some examples of the brace include a tooth that engages a detent in a catch. The catch, in some examples, includes a tooth-engaging surface that protrudes into a circular path along which the tooth can travel relative to the barrier.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2011Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew Brooks, Ben Wieberdink, Bradley J. Stone, Timothy Cotton
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Patent number: 9145273Abstract: Some example vehicle restraints that include a movable barrier for selectively blocking a vehicle's RIG (Rear Impact Guard) near the dock face of a loading dock also include a spring loaded brace that helps hold the barrier in its blocking position, even when the RIG separates from the barrier. To hold the brace in its activated position where it supports the barrier, some examples of the brace include a tooth that engages a detent in a catch. The catch, in some examples, includes a tooth-engaging surface that protrudes into a circular path along which the tooth can travel relative to the barrier.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew Brooks, Ben Wieberdink, Bradley J. Stone, Timothy Cotton
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Patent number: 9126775Abstract: Example wheel restraint systems include example wheel chocks for blocking a wheel of a vehicle at a loading dock. In some examples, the wheel chock is movable between a stored position and a wheel-blocking position. In the wheel-blocking position, the chock latches onto a track that is mounted to a driveway of the loading dock. In the stored position, the chock is spaced apart from the track. In some examples, a lifting mechanism, such as a hoist or a spring-loaded articulated arm, helps carry at least some of the chock's weight as the chock is manually moved between its stored and wheel-blocking positions. In some examples, the chock includes a rotatable lever for selectively latching and unlatching the chock to the track.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew Brooks, Ben Wieberdink, Kurt Lessard, Timothy Cotton
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Patent number: 9096397Abstract: Vehicle restraints are disclosed herein. An example vehicle restraint disclosed herein includes a deck installable at the loading dock and a lip extending from the deck where the deck and lip are movable between a stored configuration and an operative configuration such that the deck and lip in the operative configuration provide a bridge between a vehicle bed and a platform when the deck is installed at a loading dock and the vehicle is at the loading dock. A blocking member is selectively attachable to the lip to selectively engage and disengage a restraint feature of the vehicle bed. The blocking member restricts forward movement of the vehicle relative to the loading dock when the blocking is engaged with the restrain feature and the blocking member allows forward movement of the vehicle relative to the loading dock when the blocking is disengaged from the restraint.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew Brooks, Ben Wieberdink, Bradley J. Stone, Jonathan Andersen, Kurt Lessard, Norbert Hahn, Pamala Pietrangelo, Timothy Cotton
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Publication number: 20150210487Abstract: Vehicle restraints with underside catches are disclosed. An example vehicle restraint includes a main body and a barrier. The barrier includes a proximal end, and a distal end. The distal end is selectively movable to a first blocking position, a plurality of extended blocking positions, and a stored position. The example vehicle restraint also includes an engageable feature. The example vehicle restraint further includes a stop. The stop is to engage the engageable feature when the distal end is at the first blocking position while the stop is at a holding position. The stop is spaced apart from the engageable feature when the distal end is at the first blocking position while the stop is at a release position. The stop is spaced apart from the engageable feature when the distal end is in the stored position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2014Publication date: July 30, 2015Inventors: Andrew Brooks, Ben Wieberdink, Kyle Nelson, Norbert Hahn
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Patent number: 8905198Abstract: An example wheel restraint includes a wheel chock that is manually movable between a retracted or release position clear of a wheel of a vehicle at a loading dock and an operative position to block the path of the wheel. In the release position, the chock can be manually moved freely along a track that is mounted to a driveway of the dock. When the chock is manually moved from its release position to its operative position, a locking feature automatically restricts the movement of the chock relative to the track. When the chock is manually moved back to its release position, the locking feature automatically disengages. Although the wheel chock is connected to a track, much of the force exerted by the wheel against the chock can be transmitted directly from the chock to the driveway.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2009Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Andrew Brooks, Jonathan Andersen, Kurt Lessard, Kyle Nelson, Timothy Cotton, Ben Wieberdink, Bradley J. Stone, Donald L. Anton, Joseph Manone, Norbert Hahn
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Patent number: 8662535Abstract: Restraints for restraining a vehicle at a loading dock are described. An example restraint described herein includes a brace movable between a holding position and a release position. A first portion of the brace engages a supporting portion of the vehicle and a second portion of the brace engages a non-movable location at the loading dock to restrain the vehicle relative to the loading dock when the brace is in the holding position. For the holding position, the first portion of the brace moves in one direction underneath the vehicle to engage the supporting portion and the second portion moves in a second direction underneath the vehicle to engage the non-movable location. The first and second portions retract to allow the vehicle to move relative to the loading dock when the brace is in the release position.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Jonathan Andersen, Ben Wieberdink, Timothy Cotton, Pamala Pietrangelo, Kurt Lessard, Norbert Hahn, Henk De Lang
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Patent number: 8616826Abstract: A vehicle restraint restricts the movement of a vehicle at a loading dock by engaging the vehicle's RIG (rear impact guard). The vehicle restraint includes a barrier carried by a vertically translatable track follower, the barrier being driven by a motor or some other type of power unit. A RIG sensor detects the RIG's horizontal position relative to the barrier and can periodically energize the motor to maintain the barrier in generally continuous contact with the RIG, even if the RIG moves horizontally away from the barrier. Detection of such horizontal movement of the RIG triggers the barrier to move accordingly to reduce a horizontal gap that may have formed between the RIG and the barrier.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Timothy Cotton, Jonathan Andersen, Kurt Lessard, Ben Wieberdink
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Publication number: 20130017044Abstract: Some example vehicle restraints that include a movable barrier for selectively blocking a vehicle's RIG (Rear Impact Guard) near the dock face of a loading dock also include a spring loaded brace that helps hold the barrier in its blocking position, even when the RIG separates from the barrier. To hold the brace in its activated position where it supports the barrier, some examples of the brace include a tooth that engages a detent in a catch. The catch, in some examples, includes a tooth-engaging surface that protrudes into a circular path along which the tooth can travel relative to the barrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Inventors: Andrew Brooks, Ben Wieberdink, Bradley J. Stone, Timothy Cotton
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Publication number: 20130017045Abstract: Some example vehicle restraints that include a movable barrier for selectively blocking a vehicle's RIG (Rear Impact Guard) near the dock face of a loading dock also include a spring loaded brace that helps hold the barrier in its blocking position, even when the RIG separates from the barrier. To hold the brace in its activated position where it supports the barrier, some examples of the brace include a tooth that engages a detent in a catch. The catch, in some examples, includes a tooth-engaging surface that protrudes into a circular path along which the tooth can travel relative to the barrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Inventors: Andrew Brooks, Ben Wieberdink, Bradley J. Stone, Timothy Cotton
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Publication number: 20120087772Abstract: A vehicle restraint restricts the movement of a vehicle at a loading dock by engaging the vehicle's RIG (rear impact guard). The vehicle restraint includes a barrier carried by a vertically translatable track follower, the barrier being driven by a motor or some other type of power unit. A RIG sensor detects the RIG's horizontal position relative to the barrier and can periodically energize the motor to maintain the barrier in generally continuous contact with the RIG, even if the RIG moves horizontally away from the barrier. Detection of such horizontal movement of the RIG triggers the barrier to move accordingly to reduce a horizontal gap that may have formed between the RIG and the barrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Inventors: Timothy Cotton, Jonathan Andersen, Kurt Lessard, Ben Wieberdink
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Publication number: 20110243693Abstract: Example vehicle restraints engage various features of a vehicle to restrain the vehicle at a loading dock. Some example restraints reach over and around a vehicle's rear impact guard. Some example restraints engage a hole or opening in a vehicle bed. Some example restraints are a combination bumper and blocking member. Some example restraints are a combination blocking member and a dock leveler lip.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: Andrew Brooks, Ben Wieberdink, Bradley J. Stone, Jonathan Andersen, Kurt Lessard, Norbert Hahn, Pamala Pietrangelo, Timothy Cotton
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Publication number: 20110240416Abstract: Example wheel restraint systems include example wheel chocks for blocking a wheel of a vehicle at a loading dock. In some examples, the wheel chock is movable between a stored position and a wheel-blocking position. In the wheel-blocking position, the chock latches onto a track that is mounted to a driveway of the loading dock. In the stored position, the chock is spaced apart from the track. In some examples, a lifting mechanism, such as a hoist or a spring-loaded articulated arm, helps carry at least some of the chock's weight as the chock is manually moved between its stored and wheel-blocking positions. In some examples, the chock includes a rotatable lever for selectively latching and unlatching the chock to the track.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: Andrew Brooks, Ben Wieberdink, Kurt Lessard, Timothy Cotton
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Publication number: 20110176896Abstract: Restraints for restraining a vehicle at a loading dock are described. An example restraint described herein includes a brace movable between a holding position and a release position. A first portion of the brace engages a supporting portion of the vehicle and a second portion of the brace engages a non-movable location at the loading dock to restrain the vehicle relative to the loading dock when the brace is in the holding position. For the holding position, the first portion of the brace moves in one direction underneath the vehicle to engage the supporting portion and the second portion moves in a second direction underneath the vehicle to engage the non-movable location.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2011Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Jonathan Andersen, Ben Wieberdink, Timothy Cotton, Pamala Pietrangelo, Kurt Lessard, Norbert Hahn, Henk De Lang
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Patent number: 7914042Abstract: A vehicle restraint restrains a vehicle at a loading dock by engaging a rail that is part of the vehicle's support frame, wherein the rail is normally used for adjusting the position of the vehicle's rear wheels. In a preferred embodiment, the restraint includes an adjustable-length arm attachable between the vehicle and the loading dock. The arm includes a retractable or removable pin that engages one of a series of holes in the rail or releasably engages some feature of the loading dock. In some examples, the restraint clamps onto the rail, particularly if the rail has no available open holes for a pin to be inserted. In some cases, the restraint also provides the vehicle with vertical support.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Jonathan Andersen, Ben Wieberdink, Timothy Cotton, Pamala Pietrangelo, Kurt Lessard, Norbert Hahn, Henk De Lang
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Publication number: 20090283999Abstract: A vehicle restraint restrains a vehicle at a loading dock by engaging a rail that is part of the vehicle's support frame, wherein the rail is normally used for adjusting the position of the vehicle's rear wheels. In a preferred embodiment, the restraint includes an adjustable-length arm attachable between the vehicle and the loading dock. The arm includes a retractable or removable pin that engages one of a series of holes in the rail or releasably engages some feature of the loading dock. In some examples, the restraint clamps onto the rail, particularly if the rail has no available open holes for a pin to be inserted. In some cases, the restraint also provides the vehicle with vertical support.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2008Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventors: Jonathan Andersen, Ben Wieberdink, Timothy Cotton, Pamala Pietrangelo, Kurt Lessard, Norbert Hahn, Henk De Lang
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Publication number: 20090194376Abstract: An example wheel restraint includes a wheel chock that is manually movable between a retracted or release position clear of a wheel of a vehicle at a loading dock and an operative position to block the path of the wheel. In the release position, the chock can be manually moved freely along a track that is mounted to a driveway of the dock. When the chock is manually moved from its release position to its operative position, a locking feature automatically restricts the movement of the chock relative to the track. When the chock is manually moved back to its release position, the locking feature automatically disengages. Although the wheel chock is connected to a track, much of the force exerted by the wheel against the chock can be transmitted directly from the chock to the driveway.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventors: Andrew Brooks, Jonathan Andersen, Kurt Lessard, Kyle Nelson, Timothy Cotton, Ben Wieberdink, Bradley J. Stone, Donald L. Anton, Joseph Manone, Norbert Hahn
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Publication number: 20080095598Abstract: A vehicle restraint restricts the movement of a vehicle at a loading dock by engaging the vehicle's RIG (rear impact guard). The vehicle restraint includes a barrier carried by a vertically translatable track follower, the barrier being driven by a motor or some other type of power unit. A RIG sensor detects the RIG's horizontal position relative to the barrier and can periodically energize the motor to maintain the barrier in generally continuous contact with the RIG, even if the RIG moves horizontally away from the barrier. Detection of such horizontal movement of the RIG triggers the barrier to move accordingly to reduce a horizontal gap that may have formed between the RIG and the barrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Timothy Cotton, Jonathan Andersen, Kurt Lessard, Ben Wieberdink