Patents by Inventor Steven J. Hipp

Steven J. Hipp 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).

  • Patent number: 4472099
    Abstract: A device is provided for releasably securing a parked vehicle to an adjacent structure. The device includes a pivotally mounted elongated unit which is movable between a vehicle-interlocking operative mode and a vehicle-release inoperative mode. The elongated unit is mounted on a carriage, which is connected to the structure. The elongated unit is moved from an inoperative mode to an operative mode by hydraulic power means. The hydraulic power means includes a piston-cylinder assembly having the cylinder thereof pivotally connected to the carriage and the exposed end of the piston in operative engagement with the elongated unit whereby movement of the piston in one relative direction effects movement of the elongated unit from the inoperative mode to the operative mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Corporation
    Inventors: Norbert Hahn, Steven J. Hipp
  • Patent number: 4443150
    Abstract: A device is provided for releasably securing a parked vehicle to an adjacent structure. The device includes a carriage first section affixed to the adjacent structure and a vertically adjustable carriage second section mounted on the first section and biased to assume a predetermined elevated position. The second section moves downwardly from the elevated position upon a predetermined external force being exerted thereon. A first element is mounted on the carriage second section for relative movement between an operative vehicle-locking mode and an inoperative vehicle-release mode. A second element is adjustably mounted on and substantially concealed by the carriage second section and coacts therewith and the first element to retain the latter in an operative mode. A manually actuated third element is carried on the carriage second section and is movable independently thereof to effect movement of the first element from the inoperative mode to the operative mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Corporation
    Inventors: Norbert Hahn, Steven J. Hipp, Michael A. Swessel
  • Patent number: 4379354
    Abstract: A device is provided for releasably locking a parked vehicle to an adjacent loading dock. The device includes a vertically adjustable carriage mounted on the front wall of the dock, and a hook-like member supported by the carriage for independent rotary movement between an operative vehicle-interlocking position and an inoperative vehicle-release position. A carriage-supported first member is disposed coaxially with the axis of said hook-like member and moves therewith as a unit. A flexible second member engages the first member and upon a predetermined pulling force being applied to said second member, causes the hook-like member to move to the operative vehicle-interlocking position. A unit is operatively connected to the flexible second member whereby the predetermined pulling force applied thereto is enhanced so as to effect a substantially greater turning force being exerted on the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1983
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Corporation
    Inventors: Norbert Hahn, Steven J. Hipp
  • Patent number: 4373847
    Abstract: A releasable locking device is provided for securing a parked vehicle to an adjacent upright structure. The device includes a first means mounted on the upright structure and a second means mounted on the first means for vertical movement relative thereto between operative and inoperative mode positions. When in an operative mode, the second means is in a raised position and interlockingly engages a portion of the parked vehicle. A third means is provided which releasably retains the second means in an operative mode and prevents accidental movement of the second means from an operative mode position to a lower inoperative mode position. The first means includes guides for restricting movement of the second means to a substantially vertical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Hipp, Norbert Hahn
  • Patent number: 4267748
    Abstract: A releasable lock mechanism is provided in combination with a stationary first member and a second member, the latter being adapted to assume various selected positions of rotary adjustment with respect to the first member. The lock mechanism includes a first lock component carried by one of the members and a complemental pivotally adjustable second lock component carried by the other member. The first lock component has a rounded periphery which is provided with a plurality of annularly spaced pockets; each pocket corresponding to a selected position of rotary adjustment of the second member with respect to the first member. The second lock component assumes an interlocking engagement with a peripheral pocket, when the second member is disposed at a selected position of rotary adjustment with respect to the first member, and retains the second member in the selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Assignee: Rite Hite Corporation
    Inventors: Lynn O. Grunewald, Steven J. Hipp
  • Patent number: 4264259
    Abstract: A releasable locking device is provided which is particularly suitable for retaining a parked vehicle against a loading dock or the like during loading or unloading thereof. The device includes a pivotally mounted hook-like member movable between operative and inoperative modes. The member is secured to the front side of the loading dock by a carriage having a first section on which the hook-like member is mounted, and a second section affixed to the dock front side. The first section is adjustable relative to the second section in a substantially vertical plane. The first section is biased to normally assume a predetermined rest position which is at a maximum elevation with respect to the roadway supporting the vehicle. A reversible electric motor is mounted on the carriage first section and actuates the hook-like member between the operative and inoperative modes. When in an operative mode, the hook-like member interlockingly engages the parked vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1981
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Hipp
  • Patent number: 4257137
    Abstract: A dock leveler for a dock loading surface is provided with includes a frame fixedly mounted adjacent the front edge of the surface, and an extension assembly mounted on the frame for movement between operative and inoperative modes. The assembly includes a dock panel hinged to the frame and a lip panel hinged to the dock panel. The dock panel is coplaner with the loading surface and the lip panel depends therefrom when the assembly is in the inoperative mode. A linkage is provided having pivotally connected first and second arms. An end of the first arm is pivoted to the frame and an end of the second arm is pivoted to the lip panel. Power means urges the dock panel to move from the inoperative mode to a raised position prior to assuming an operative mode. The dock panel will move to the raised position upon a predetermined external force being applied to the dock panel. A trip member is provided having a central section pivoted to the dock panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1981
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Hipp, Richard C. Wilde
  • Patent number: 4208161
    Abstract: A device is provided for use in releasably securing a vehicle against a loading dock during loading and unloading of the vehicle. The device comprises a hingedly mounted vehicle-engaging member located adjacent a front wall of the dock and beneath the plane of the dock loading surface. A handle is provided for effecting controlled movement of the member between an inoperative mode and an operative mode. When in an operative mode, a portion of the member interlocks with a component of the vehicle and restrains movement of the vehicle away from the loading dock. When in an inoperative mode, the member assumes a vehicle-release position wherein the vehicle is free to move away from the loading dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1980
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Hipp, Norbert Hahn
  • Patent number: 4146888
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated device secures the back end of a truck against a surface of a loading dock during loading and unloading of the truck. The device includes a self-aligning hydraulic cylinder which is adjustably mounted on the loading dock, and a piston mounted within the cylinder and having an exposed portion to which an attaching means is connected. The attaching means is adapted to be releasably connected to the truck. Control means is provided for directing hydraulic pressure to the cylinder so as to effect movement of the piston in one direction whereby the attaching means exerts a pulling force on the truck to cause the latter to be secured against the loading dock surface, or in a second direction whereby the attaching means assumes a position wherein it may be disconnected from the truck. Signal means, responsive to hydraulic pressure, is provided to indicate when hydraulic pressure is being, or not being, exerted on the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1979
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Corporation
    Inventors: Lynn O. Grunewald, Steven J. Hipp
  • Patent number: RE33242
    Abstract: A device is provided for use in releasably securing a vehicle against a loading dock during loading and unloading of the vehicle. The device comprises a hingedly mounted vehicle-engaging member located adjacent a front wall of the dock and beneath the plane of the dock loading surface. A handle is provided for effecting controlled movement of the member between an inoperative mode and an operative mode. When in an operative mode, a portion of the member interlocks with a component of the vehicle and restrains movement of the vehicle away from the loading dock. When in an inoperative mode, the member assumes a vehicle-release position wherein the vehicle is free to move away from the loading dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Abon Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Hipp, Norbert Hahn