On Ground Patents (Class 188/32)
  • Patent number: 11801811
    Abstract: A wheel chock including a wedge-shaped body defined by at least one substantially flat wall for resting against a ground and at the top, at least one wall for bearing against a wheel, inclined with respect to the wall for resting against the ground, the wall for bearing against the wheel adjoining the wall for resting against the ground at a tip of the wedge-shaped body, the wall for bearing against the wheel including a blocking portion distal from the tip, configured to block a movement of the wheel, and a wheel receiving portion proximal to the tip, further including at least one breakage element constrained to the wedge-shaped body to interfere with a wheel engaged against the blocking portion of the wall for bearing against the wheel, the at least one breakage element configured to partially irreversibly deform when a wheel engages the blocking portion of the wedge-shaped body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Reco S.r.l.
    Inventors: Guido Redaelli, Davide Gianni Mario Galletti
  • Patent number: 11753261
    Abstract: A vehicle leveler includes a first portion which has a leading edge and a trailing edge; the trailing edge is disposed further from the driveway than the leading edge. The vehicle leveler also includes a second portion which has a leading edge and a trailing edge; the leading edge of the second portion is attached to the trailing edge of the first portion and the leading edge of the second portion is disposed further from the driveway than the trailing edge of the second portion. The second portion also includes an extension portion. The vehicle leveler has opposing tapered edge portions contacting the driveway. The opposing tapered edge portions assist a vehicle backing onto the vehicle leveler and also avoid tire damage to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Leum Engineeering, Inc.
    Inventors: Grant Leum, Eric Demerath
  • Patent number: 11745704
    Abstract: A folding wheel chock has a stop ramp having a front face shaped to interface with a vehicle wheel, extending from a first support base to a first vertex, and a support wall extending from a second support base to a second vertex. The stop ramp and the support wall are hinged by a pivot pin at the respective first and second vertexes to rotate between an in-use or working configuration and a non-use or resting configuration. The folding wheel chock has a tip acting as a portion of the first interface with the vehicle wheel, the tip associated with the stop ramp and movable from an extracted or working configuration, in which it protrudes towards an associable wheel as an extension of the stop ramp, to a retracted or resting configuration in which it is arranged at least partially folded or aligned on the stop ramp and/or support wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: LOKHEN S.R.L.
    Inventors: Daniele Barattini, Luca Oronzo Greco
  • Patent number: 11702304
    Abstract: A loading-dock signaling system includes an internal signal light, an external signal light and a wheel chock having a base and a handle extending from the base. A chock signal light is positioned on the handle. The internal signal light, the external signal light and the chock signal light are in signal communication with one another to provide at least a plurality of illuminated indicia to an exterior dock area and an interior dock area. The exterior dock area and the interior dock area are separated by a dock door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Blue Giant Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Gerard Biasutto, Paulo Cruz, David Andrew Rimmer
  • Patent number: 11685629
    Abstract: A reel chock is disclosed according to various embodiments. The reel chock can include a chock body that has a width that extends along a pivot axis. The reel chock also can include a pivot plate attached to the chock body. The pivot plate can be transverse to the pivot axis. The reel chock also can include a pivot arm that is rotatably connected to the pivot plate such that the pivot arm rotates about the pivot axis. The pivot arm can include a fastener portion that extends at least partially over the chock body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Southwire Company, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Savoy Bearden
  • Patent number: 11668131
    Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling loading dock components is disclosed that includes a distribution center having at least one dock station for exchanging materials and a dock component configured to in at least two operational states. An actuator is included that is configured to change the operational state of the dock component in response to an activation signal. A mobile remote control is configured to generate the activation signal to cause the actuator to change the operational state of the dock component and at least one predefined non-activation zone is included such that changing of operational state of the dock component is inhibited when the mobile remote control is located within the at least one predefined non-activation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew C. McNeill, Kyle E. Nelson, Richard A. Horton
  • Patent number: 11479217
    Abstract: The wheel chock is part of a wheel chock restraint system that also includes a base plate to prevent a parked vehicle from moving away in an unauthorized or accidental manner in a departure direction. The wheel chock includes a main body having a bottom base portion and a tire-engaging bulge. It also includes a tire deformation cavity, made within the main body on the tire-facing side. Teeth are provided underneath the bottom base portion of the wheel chock to engage at least one among corresponding teeth provided on the base plate in a latched engagement. The wheel chock has an improved resistance to rollover and tipping when the wheel is pressed forcefully against the wheel chock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: 9172-9863 QUEBEC INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Palmer, Daniel Grothe, Etienne Ayotte, Gaetan Jette
  • Patent number: 11390383
    Abstract: A stowage and removal system has a receiving frame with an insertion opening for insertion and removal of a container and with a first wall lying opposite the insertion opening; at least one first locking device for releasably locking a container arranged in the receiving frame at the first wall; a first control element for actuating the at least one first locking device; a removal device with a first engagement body which can be brought into engagement with a side of a container directed towards the first wall, wherein the removal device is configured to move the first engagement body from a region near the wall in the direction of the insertion opening, and a removal control element which is coupled to the removal device for selectively moving the first engagement body. The first control element and the removal control element are arranged in a region of the insertion opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Inventors: Falk Bajorat, Philipp Seitz, Martin Bocek
  • Patent number: 11377020
    Abstract: A dunnage device is disclosed. The dunnage device includes a mounting plate to secure the device to a trailer. The dunnage device is supported in a raised position by a first and second support plate. The dunnage device is configured to bear a load in the raised position by a load supporting plate connected to the first and second support plates. The dunnage device is able to transition between the raised position to a lowered position with a reduced profile. The translation of the dunnage device occurs by one or more pivotable connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Inventor: Patrick Morris
  • Patent number: 11319173
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for preventing semitrailer collisions with a loading ramp (10). The system comprises a sensor (100) and guide block (200). The sensor (100) is configured for sensing when the rear end of a semitrailer (12) is approaching a loading ramp (10). The guide block (200) is adapted to be positioned on the ground, and is here shown positioned laterally to the opening of the loading ramp (10). The guide block (200) comprises wheel blocking means (210) configured for supporting the tread of a rear tire of the semitrailer (12). The wheel blocking means (210) is configured to move from a forwarded position relative to the loading ramp (10) to a retracted position relative to the loading ramp (10) as the semitrailer (12) is reversing towards said loading ramp (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventor: Jan Valentin
  • Patent number: 11230352
    Abstract: The novel bladder systems and tie down systems set forth herein provide systems and apparatuses that mitigate or prevent damage, such as tipping over/capsizing, of a watercraft stored on shore or an aircraft secured to a ground surface during adverse wind, rising water, or storm events. Further, novel apparatuses and methods for storing a watercraft using the bladders as cushioning or holding devices when installed within a cavity, whether the cavity is created by digging a hole or building an enclosing berm, provides additional stability and security for the watercraft during adverse wind, rising water, or storm events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Cross Pipes Development LLC
    Inventor: Jason Martus Naylor
  • Patent number: 11097697
    Abstract: The utility model relates to a pluggable two-way tire slip stopper, which is used for solving the problem of sliding when a vehicle is parked. The pluggable two-way tire slip stopper includes two slip stoppers, the back portions of the two slip stoppers are plugged together via a slot in a protrusion manner, the two slip stoppers are identical in structure, and the slip stopper includes the anti-slip portion of a front end and the plug portion of a rear end, the anti-slip portion is integrally formed with the plug portion, the plug portion is in the shape of a square, the plug portion is a triangular column shape with an obliquely upward surface, and the anti-slip portion is provided with a plurality of anti-slip belts, and the anti-slip belt is disposed at a certain distance, the upper surface of the anti-slip belt is inclined, and the anti-slip belt is provided thereon with a plurality of anti-slip protruding strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Qingdao Runbell Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Lijun Hu
  • Patent number: 11097698
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel chock for blocking a stationary wheel having a bottom surface (1) for resting on a floor and a wheel surface (2) for engagement with the wheel. The wheel surface (2) is provided for blocking the wheel angled to the bottom surface (1). The bottom surface (1) and wheel surface (2) are connected to each other via a hinge and designed to be foldable. A locking device is arranged movably on the bottom surface (1) and/or the wheel surface (2) and, in a locking position, locks the bottom surface (1) and wheel surface (2) in an unfolded, angled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: SATCOM CORPORATION SA
    Inventor: Daniel Stieger
  • Patent number: 11035151
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing an article of merchandise against unauthorized removal from a display counter. The anti-theft device includes a plurality of arms slidingly disposed within the housing. Grips are disposed on proximal ends of the arms and are configured to receive and secure edges of an article of merchandise. A locking mechanism is disposed within the housing of the anti-theft device. Complimentary teeth are disposed on the locking component and the arms. An actuator transitions the locking components between a first unlocked configuration in which the teeth of the locking components are retracted away from the teeth of the arms, and a second locked configuration in which the teeth of the locking components engage the teeth of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, John N. Figh, Jr., Matthew Kuntz, Lucas P. Swartwood, Wade Zhu, Volodymyr Andreev, Peter D. Iezzi, Andriy Los, Jasen Paul Biggins
  • Patent number: 10919405
    Abstract: A universal charging system is provided. In one example embodiment, the universal charging system includes a charging adapter configured to be mounted on a light electric vehicle (LEV), a charging station, and a processor configured to control charging of the LEV. The charging adapter may have electrical contacts for docking with a charging station and a charging interface for supplying power from the charging station to a battery of the LEV. The charging station may have at least one docking unit for receiving the charging adapter of the LEV. The at least one docking unit may have further electrical contacts for connecting to the charging adapter of the LEV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Swiftmile, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Edward Moravick, Colin Roche, Leandro Vera, Douglas Ralph Schaller, George Pontis
  • Patent number: 10906512
    Abstract: A system and methods for stabilizing a towed trailer include a stabilizing accessory system that both stabilizes the trailer and stows upon a frame of the trailer for transport. The system includes a wheel chock that detachably attaches to a stabilizing block. The stabilizing block features an elevated wheel dock configured to receive a jack wheel of the trailer, a post recess configured to receive a square or round jack post of the trailer, and a plate recess configured to receive a plate jack stand of the trailer. The stabilizing block may be secured to a frame of the trailer via a securement strap or via a switchable magnet embedded within the block. The wheel chock is configured to immobilize a trailer tire and may secure to the frame via its attachment to the stabilizing block, supplemented by a magnet embedded in its bottom surface. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Dock N Stow LLC
    Inventor: Mark Gregory
  • Patent number: 10864895
    Abstract: The wheel chock is designed use over a base plate to prevent a parked vehicle from moving away in an unauthorized or accidental manner in a departure direction. The wheel chock includes a monolithic main body having a bottom base portion and a tire-engaging bulge. It also includes a tire deformation cavity, made within the main body on the tire-facing side, which is located immediately below the tire-engaging bulge. Teeth are provided underneath the bottom base portion of the wheel chock to uninterruptedly engage at least one among corresponding teeth provided on the base plate in a positive latched engagement. The wheel chock has an improved resistance to rollover and tipping when the wheel is pressed forcefully against the wheel chock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: 9172-9863 QUEBEC INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Palmer, Daniel Grothe, Etienne Ayotte, Geatan Jette
  • Patent number: 10836362
    Abstract: An improved wheel chock system for preventing excessive movement of tires, wheels, and other rollable objects, having two cooperating members connected via a connector permitting pivotal movement by at least one of the cooperating members about the connector. The cooperating members each have a handle at their one end for actuating wheel chocks retained at their other end throughout a range between a fully open condition where the wheel chocks are spaced away from each other, and a fully closed condition where the wheel chocks are spaced adjacent to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Inventor: James Barry Waddell
  • Patent number: 10807572
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a chock device comprising a pair of chock bodies, wherein the chock body has a triangular profile defined by a first side, a second side, and a third side, wherein the first side has a curved profile to receive and snugly fit with a tire of a vehicle thereon; the second side is a base of the chock body having a substantially flat surface; and the third side is an operative rear side of the chock body having a smoothened concave profile. The chock devices further comprises an adjustment rod disposed operatively between the pair of chock bodies to mechanically couple the pair of chock bodies, the adjustment rod having a telescopic configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Joey Griswold
  • Patent number: 10793119
    Abstract: The bidirectional wheel chock restraint system is used for preventing a parked vehicle from moving both in a forward direction and a rearward direction. The restraint system includes an elongated ground-anchored base plate having a plurality of stoppers that are transversally-disposed over the base plate and that are spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis. Depending on the implementation, the restraint system also include either a single double-sided wheel chock or two single-sided wheel chocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: 9172-9863 QUEBEC INC.
    Inventors: Gaetan Jette, Gregory Palmer, Daniel Grothe, Etienne Ayotte, Martin Levesque
  • Patent number: 10668913
    Abstract: A wheel chock system includes a chock, a sensor disposed within the chock to sense the proximity to the tire, an outside light box, and an inside control panel. Lamps on the outside light box provide a visual indication as to when the chock is in close proximity to the wheel. Lights on the inside control panel provide a visual indication of the loading dock safety status. The wheel chock system further includes a controller coupled to the inside control panel, programmed to change visual indications of both the outside light signal box and the inside control panel, based at least on the sensor and a loading dock door sensor. The wheel chock system further includes a camera positioned to view the tire and the chock and convey an image of the tire and the chock to a display on or near the inside control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: DL Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Metz, Joshua L. Eppley
  • Patent number: 10662596
    Abstract: A deflator deployable on the ground adjacent a tire may include a base member, a body member having a first end attached to the base member and having a handle portion spaced upward from the base member when the bottom surface of the base member is placed on the ground, and two arms. Each arm may a first end pivotally attached to the base member and a second end extending away from the first end. Each arm may have a puncturing member located adjacent the second end. A release mechanism may be located on the body member adjacent to the handle portion and may be movable from a hold position to a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Roadlink, LLC
    Inventors: J. Michael Barbrey, John O. Roper
  • Patent number: 10605317
    Abstract: A fixing for mounting a brake carrier of a disc brake to a mount for a disc brake and a method of assembly. The mount may be an axle mount for mounting the brake carrier on an axle of a vehicle. The fixing may include a connector for coupling the brake carrier and the mount. The connector may deform a second fixing region of the mount or brake carrier and thereby form an interference connection that restricts relative translational movement, as the brake carrier and mount are mounted together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Braking Systems (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Dietmar Knoop
  • Patent number: 10569689
    Abstract: A reconfigurable chock assembly for securing a motorcycle or other two wheeled vehicle in a trailer, truck bed or other similar arrangement. The chock assembly including a left wing and right wing connected by a plate to thereby engage the wheel of the motorcycle both above and below the axle and inhibit movement and tipping during transportation as well as when stationary. An attachment bracket includes clips designed to engage a track installed on the wall of the trailer or truck bed box. The track includes a plurality of slots to engage the clips allowing for the chock assembly to be located at reconfigurable locations along the length of the track. The attachment bracket allows the chock assembly to be quickly and easily repositioned along the length of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventor: Corey Barnett Johnson
  • Patent number: 10549676
    Abstract: A support chock is provided and includes a chock front, a chock rear, a chock top, a chock bottom and a plurality of chock sides, wherein the chock top, chock bottom and plurality of chock sides define a chock cavity, a chock front opening and a chock rear opening, wherein the chock cavity communicates the chock front opening with the chock rear opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventor: Vernon Claude Sauer
  • Patent number: 10501058
    Abstract: A wheel chock (40) has a profile that provides maximum restraining capacity when the wheel (22) is completely supported thereby, by mitigating undesirable failure modes while promoting the safest failure mode of operation, slipping on ground (30). The profile includes a generally flat bottom surface (46) for being in contact with a ground surface (30), a substantially broken top surface (44) for being in contact with the wheel (22), the top surface (44) including a first contact point (P1), a second contact point (P2), and a contact surface (52) there between allowing at most two points of contact at a time between the contact surface (52) and the wheel (22), with the second contact point (P2) being one of the two points of contact. A more specific clothoid profile of the contact surface (52) is preferred to minimize the rate of variation of the contact force of the wheel (22) with the chock (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventors: Denis Rancourt, Yves St-Amant, Charles Khazoom
  • Patent number: 10421638
    Abstract: The invention discloses: —a drive belt safety device (20) including a belt retaining portion (22) and a wedging portion (24) operably coupled to the belt retaining portion (22), wherein the wedging portion (24) includes a geometry configured to wedge between a drive belt (16) and a pulley (12, 14); and —a method of securing a drive belt system (10), the drive belt system (10) comprising a pair of pulleys (12, 14) configured to rotate and a drive belt (16) disposed around each of the pulleys (12, 14), the method comprising the steps of placing at least one drive belt safety device (20) adjacent to a pulley (12, 14), and securing a portion of the drive belt (16) to the at least one drive belt safety device (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen Curl, Keith Browse
  • Patent number: 10407853
    Abstract: A wrong-way vehicle prevention system utilizes a sensor to detect a wrong-way vehicle traveling in a wrong direction on an off-ramp, and activates a disabling portion having a tire-rupture apparatus that ruptures one or more tires of the wrong-way vehicle. An alert portion having a sign, alert lights and/or an audible alert feature may be activated when a wrong-way vehicle is detected and the wrong-way vehicle may stop and turn around before driving over the tire rupture apparatus. The tire rupture apparatus has a rupture plate that extend substantially across the off-ramp and pivots up to raise a rupture portion above the surface of the off-ramp. The rupture portion has a sharp edge that will rupture a tire. The wrong-way vehicle system may alert authorities when a wrong-way vehicle is detected. The wrong-way vehicle prevention system may utilize an integral power supply to enable locating the system in remote areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventors: Peter G Dunn, Robert E Kohnen, David A Schuff
  • Patent number: 10393627
    Abstract: A chock assembly for a vehicle test rig includes a guide member, a chock, and a securing member. The chock is coupled to the guide member, and the securing member is configured to secure the guide member to the vehicle test rig. The guide member is movably coupled to the securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Mickey Kevin Etches, Doug Blair
  • Patent number: 10378248
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing an article of merchandise against unauthorized removal from a display counter. The anti-theft device includes two pairs of arms slidingly disposed within the housing. Grips are disposed on distal ends of the arms and are configured to receive and secure edges of an article of merchandise. A locking mechanism is disposed within the housing of the anti-theft device. The locking mechanism includes two locking components in a sliding configuration with respect to one another. Complimentary gear teeth are disposed on the outer edges of the locking component and the inner edges of the arms. An actuator transitions the locking components between a first unlocked configuration in which the gear teeth of the locking components are retracted away from the gear teeth of the arms, and a second locked configuration in which the gear teeth of the locking components engage the gear teeth of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, John N. Figh, Jr., Matthew Kuntz, Lucas P. Swartwood, Wade Zhu, Volodymyr Andreev, Peter D. Iezzi, Andriy Los
  • Patent number: 10370191
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a movable platform (MP) for moving freight during cross-dock operations. The MP comprises a mechanical lift brake assembly that can be utilized to deploy a plurality of mechanical lift brakes preventing further movement of the MP. AMP forklift attachment that can be used to convey the MP and to engage or disengage the mechanical lift brake assembly. The MP forklift attachment can be attached to a conveyance vehicle, such as a forklift, or built into an automated guided vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: INNOVATIVE LOGISTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Seth Galewyrick, Patrick Sullivan, Mark Bradley
  • Patent number: 10370806
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a base having a length in a first direction, a height in a second direction different from the first direction, and a depth in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction. The base includes at least one sidewall having an outer surface, an inner surface, and an edge defining an open end of a cavity within the base. The base also includes a plurality of ribs extending from the inner surface of the at least one sidewall toward the open end of the cavity. The ribs of the plurality of ribs are separated from one another along the first direction. The base further includes at least one tube extending from the inner surface of the at least one sidewall toward the open end of the cavity. The apparatus also includes at least one plaque removably attached to the outer surface of base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: RubberForm Recycled Products, LLC
    Inventor: William J. Robbins
  • Patent number: 10343656
    Abstract: A jack block and stop for a trailer includes an internal relatively lightweight support structure, a bottom surface having a relatively flat aspect to provide stable support when weight is applied on said jack block and stop, an upper surface having relatively flat aspect and a central open surface entirely extending through from said upper surface to said bottom surface which is large enough to at least part of a trailer part to retain said jack block thereabout in a stored mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Inventor: William R. Grosz
  • Patent number: 10238944
    Abstract: A docking tray for receiving a basketball goal includes: (a) a base having a front, a rear, and two sides, the front being wider than the rear and the two sides narrowing from front to rear; (b) two side walls extending upwardly along the sides of the base; (c) a rear wall extending upwardly along the rear of the base, the base, side walls, and rear wall forming an enclosure for a rear wheel of a basketball goal; and (d) a retainer for engaging, orienting, and securing a base of a basketball goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Litania Sports Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Turchyn, Gregory W. Luebbering, Bryan R. Carrel, DeJazz L. Woods
  • Patent number: 10125668
    Abstract: A cover (25) is intended to be attached to a housing (2) of a heat exchanger (1). The cover (25) comprises a wall (26) that is intended to close off an orifice (5) for introducing a heat exchange core into the housing (2). The wall (26) is configured to allow the cover (25) to be attached removably to the housing (2) and has a raised edge (27). The cover (25) also comprises means (30) for mechanical reinforcement of the wall (26). The invention also relates to a heat exchange core (7) comprising the cover (25), to a heat exchanger (1) comprising the core (7), and to an air intake module for a motor vehicle combustion engine comprising the heat exchanger (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: VALEO SYSTEMES THERMIQUES
    Inventor: Benjamin Ferlay
  • Patent number: 10113352
    Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling loading dock components is disclosed that includes a distribution center having at least one dock station for exchanging materials and a dock component configured to in at least two operational states. An actuator is included that is configured to change the operational state of the dock component in response to an activation signal. A mobile remote control is configured to generate the activation signal to cause the actuator to change the operational state of the dock component and at least one predefined non-activation zone is included such that changing of operational state of the dock component is inhibited when the mobile remote control is located within the at least one predefined non-activation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew C. McNeill, Kyle E. Nelson, Richard A. Horton
  • Patent number: 9975526
    Abstract: A furniture roller stop having a U-shaped body constructed from a flexible material. The body includes two spaced apart side legs and a base leg connecting the side legs together thus forming a channel between the side legs dimensioned to fit around the roller of the furniture so that the side legs are positioned closely adjacent the roller. A bendable band is attached to the body and extends around the base leg and at least a portion of each side leg. The shape of the channel is adjustable by bending the band which thereafter retains the bent side legs in the new position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Allan Wendling
  • Patent number: 9963105
    Abstract: A vehicle locking boot includes a horizontal support arm and a first vertical support arm extending. from the horizontal support arm. The first vertical support arm includes a front engagement protrusion extending therefrom. A receiving sleeve extends from the horizontal support arm at a base of the first vertical support arm, A horizontal extension portion is coupled to the horizontal support arm A second vertical support arm, extends from the horizontal extension portion along a direction orthogonal to the upper surface of the horizontal support arm. The second vertical support arm includes a rear engagement protrusion extending therefrom. The front engagement protrusion faces the rear engagement protrusion. A keypad is disposed on the first engagement portion. The keypad is configured to lock and unlock the horizontal extension portion. A lug nut blocking plate is coupled to the first vertical support arm above the first engagement protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventor: Mike Gordon
  • Patent number: 9925907
    Abstract: A vehicle restraint system includes a strap assembly configured to be positioned on a portion of a tire of a vehicle to secure the vehicle to a track assembly. The strap assembly is also configured to be coupled to the track assembly on a first side of the tire. The system also includes a mandrel assembly operable to be coupled to the strap assembly on a second side of the tire, opposite the first side of the tire. The mandrel assembly is configured to engage the track assembly through a first hole in the track assembly. The system further includes a latch assembly configured to be coupled to the mandrel assembly. The latch assembly is also configured to create a coupling between the mandrel assembly and the track assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Trinity Parts & Components, LLC
    Inventors: Jerry W. Vande Sande, Robert J. Cencer
  • Patent number: 9908378
    Abstract: The Trailer Anti-Theft Locking Post is a device that is used to lock a trailer or other hitched device so that the trailer cannot be moved. The device may be anchored into concrete or secured unto the ground. A post reversible extends upward providing a means to lock a trailer or hitched device. When a user desires to move the trailer, the trailer is unlocked, and the post is reversibly retracted beneath the ground level, which puts the device out of sight and out of the way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventor: Roger K Helms
  • Patent number: 9789921
    Abstract: A vehicle tow platform adapted for mounting on a two-wheeled trailer or dolly. The vehicle tow platform includes at least one platform segment adapted to support a wheeled vehicle. An upwardly projecting wall segment positioned forward of the platform segment is adapted to block forward rolling of the wheeled vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventor: Roy L King
  • Patent number: 9776713
    Abstract: Off-board gyrocopter take-off systems and associated methods are disclosed. A representative method includes restraining a gyrocopter from vertical and lateral movement, pre-rotating a fixed-pitch lift rotor of the gyrocopter via a power source located off the gyrocopter, and releasing the gyrocopter for vertical movement to allow the gyrocopter to lift under a force provided by the lift rotor. Optionally, the method can further include interrupting or reducing power from the power source to the gyrocopter as a way to release the gyrocopter for vertical movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Jaime G. Sada-Salinas
  • Patent number: 9699962
    Abstract: A mower unit is detachably mounted between front wheels and rear wheels of a mid-mount grass mower. The mower unit includes a blade cover having a top plate and a side plate extending from a circumferential edge of the top plate, a pair of right and left ride-over deck units provided on the top plate. Each ride-over deck unit includes a support deck fixed to an upper face of the top plate, a wheel guide member movable between a home position for storage in the support deck and a bridging position for bridging between the support deck and a ground surface, and a tethering member for tethering the support deck with the wheel guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Akita, Takeshi Komorida, Ryo Matsumoto, Masahiro Izumi, Azusa Furihata, Toshiki Kanai, Tomohisa Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9637094
    Abstract: An anti-roll structure suitable for blocking rolling objects. The anti-roll structure comprises a first support element and a second support element, which consist in, respectively, a lying surface adapted to be placed on a bearing plane and, parallel to the said bearing plane, and a support surface, opposite to the lying surface and inclined with respect to the said lying surface. A junction element is positioned so that it lies on a plane perpendicular to the lying surface and supporting surface. The first and second support element can be placed at a predefined angle with respect to each other by means of the junction element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Soluzioninventive, SRL
    Inventors: Davide Galletti, Ugo Romagnani, Sergio Lorenzi
  • Patent number: 9624067
    Abstract: A guide member for use in connection with a wheel of a vehicle includes a wall and a base. The wall extends from a lower surface to an upper surface. The lower surface defines a support plane. The wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The base extends from the lower surface of the wall. The base has a top surface and a bottom surface. The base is disposed transverse to the wall at a non-perpendicular angle to define a space between the bottom surface of the base and the support plane. The inner surface of the wall and the top surface of the base define a receiving pocket configured to receive a wheel of the vehicle therein, whereby the outer surface of the wall guides a longitudinal flexible member around the wheel of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventors: Justin Tomney, Michael R. Bizzaro
  • Patent number: 9586562
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wheel stop configured to prevent the normal rotation of a wheel. The wheel stop may include a body having a top, a base, a front, and a backside. A wheel socket may be configured for receiving and removably holding at least a portion of the wheel therein, the wheel socket defined in the top of the body and having a bottom surface. The wheel stop may further include one of a lift member defined at the backside of the body, a plurality of feet spaced apart around an outer edge of the bottom of the body, and both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Bryan Noonan
  • Patent number: 9555816
    Abstract: The present invention relates to wheel chock apparatuses. Specifically, the wheel chock apparatuses of the present invention are utilized on railcars having automobile racks, known as “auto-rack railroad cars,” to hold in place a tire of an automobile thereon, restricting movement of the same during railroad transport of the same. The wheel chock apparatuses comprise a base, a ramp abutment at a front end thereof, lateral restraints at a front end thereof, and a floor grating engaging mechanism at a rear end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Holland, L.P.
    Inventor: Erik Johnsen
  • Patent number: 9550436
    Abstract: A track assembly for positioning and removably securing wheelchairs and transit seats in a vehicle, having a first rail having a frame, the frame having a top surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, and a longitudinal axis. The track assembly further includes a plurality of apertures having a shape, the apertures evenly distributed within the top surface along the longitudinal axis of the frame, a plurality of channels connecting the first and second side surfaces proximate the top surface, the channels evenly distributed along the longitudinal axis of the frame, and a second rail identical to and arranged in parallel with the first rail to form the track assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Fenton Mobility Products Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Ivan Fenton, Gerald James Hildom
  • Patent number: 9539995
    Abstract: A wheel chock system includes a chock, a sensor disposed within the chock to sense the proximity to the tire, an outside light box, and an inside control panel. Lamps on the outside light box provide a visual indication as to when the chock is in close proximity to the wheel. Lights on the inside control panel provide a visual indication of the loading dock safety status. The wheel chock system further includes a controller coupled to the inside control panel, programmed to change visual indications of both the outside light signal box and the inside control panel, based at least on the sensor and a loading dock door sensor. The wheel chock system further includes a camera positioned to view the tire and the chock and convey an image of the tire and the chock to a display on or near the inside control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventors: Donald L. Metz, Joshua L. Eppley
  • Publication number: 20150144436
    Abstract: A parking-assist curb that helps a driver park a vehicle at a desired spot, such as in a residential garage. The vehicle's wheel(s) abut the parking-assist curb, and the abutment serves as a signal to the driver to put the vehicle in park. The parking-assist curb has a body with an opening, and has a plug inserted into the opening. A ballast mater can fill an interior of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Jon Craig Bonk