Abstract: The universal joint (200) is provided at the free end (154) of the arm assembly (152) in a wheel chock handling unit (150) for securing a wheel chock (100). The joint (200) includes a main plate (220), a first pivot coupling (208) defining a yaw axis (210), and an elongated link (260) attached to the first pivot coupling (208) and being pivotable about the yaw axis (210). The joint (200) also includes means for limiting axial pivot movements of the link (260) within a range of angular positions having a first angular end position and a second angular end position. The joint (200) can be configured and arranged so that the wheel chock (100) can self-align using only its own weight, thus the force of gravity, along the entire range of positions along a base plate (110), or a portion thereof.

Abstract: The wheel chock handling unit includes a base, an articulated cantilever arm assembly, a main spring assembly and a force-compensation mechanism. The arm assembly has a first end pivotally mounted to the base for angular displacement of the arm assembly in a substantially vertical plane between a storage position and an extended position. It also has a second end receiving a wheel chock. The main spring assembly extends between the arm assembly and the base. The force-compensation mechanism includes a lever pivotally mounted to the base for angular displacement in a plane that is substantially parallel to that of the arm assembly.