US Patent 9126775 Latching mechanisms for removable chocks

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.