Wheel chock apparatus and methods of using the same

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A wheel chock apparatus for holding a vehicle tire when disposed adjacent to the vehicle tire in an auto-rack railcar comprising:
a main body portion comprising a front end, a rear end, a first side and a second side, the front end disposed adjacent a vehicle tire when in use; a ramp disposed on the front end for contacting a vehicle tire; a lateral restraint disposed on one of the first and second sides, the lateral restraint extending away from the main body portion at the front end of the main body portion; a first set of teeth for engaging a grating, the first set of teeth disposed beneath the front end of the main body portion; a second set of teeth for engaging the grating, the second set of teeth disposed beneath the rear end of the main body portion, the second set of teeth having a retracted position and an extended position; and a lever disposed on one of the first and second sides, the lever linked to the second set of teeth, wherein movement of the lever moves the second set of teeth from the retracted position to the extended position; a pin disposed from the first side to the second side of the main body portion, wherein the second set of teeth are engaged with the pin; a plate linking the lever to the pin; a slot disposed within the plate, the pin freely movable through the slot, wherein the pin moves through the slot upon movement of the lever and the plate, thereby moving the second set of teeth from the retracted position to the extended position.