Convex wheel chock

Abstract

A convex wheel chock includes a contact surface generally facing a vehicle tire, a support element connected to the contact surface to transfer a tire load from the contact surface, and a base portion coupled to the support element to provide structural support to the wheel chock and transfer the tire load to a ground surface. The contact surface includes a convex surface to be engaged by the tire, extending generally upwards from the base portion to the support element. The convex wheel chock may further include a concave extension surface joined to an upper end of the convex surface.

1 . A convex wheel chock for a vehicle tire, comprising:
 a contact surface configured to face generally towards the vehicle tire to be engaged by the wheel chock;   a support element connected to the contact surface and configured to transfer a tire load from the contact surface;   a base portion coupled to the support element, configured to provide structural support to the wheel chock and transfer the tire load to a ground surface; and   wherein the contact surface comprises a convex surface extending generally upwards from the base portion to the support element, the convex surface configured to be engaged by the vehicle tire.   
     
     
         2 . The convex wheel chock of  claim 1 , wherein the contact surface further comprises a concave extension surface joined to an upper end of the convex surface. 
     
     
         3 . The convex wheel chock of  claim 2 , wherein the concave extension surface comprises a radius of curvature between 2.0 inches and 3.0 inches. 
     
     
         4 . The convex wheel chock of  claim 1 , wherein the upper end of the convex surface is positioned at an angle a in a range between 20 and 30 degrees from horizontal. 
     
     
         5 . The convex wheel chock of  claim 1 , wherein the convex surface comprises a radius of curvature between 11.0 inches and 14.0 inches. 
     
     
         6 . The convex wheel chock of  claim 1 , further comprising a sensor configured to detect the presence of the tire. 
     
     
         7 . The convex wheel chock of  claim 6 , further comprising an aperture in the convex surface of the contact surface, and the sensor is configured to measure the presence of the wheel through the aperture. 
     
     
         8 . The convex wheel chock of  claim 6 , wherein the sensor measures a gap distance between the contact surface and the wheel engaged by the chock. 
     
     
         9 . The convex wheel chock of  claim 8 , wherein the contact surface defines an aperture, and the sensor is configured to measure the gap distance through the aperture. 
     
     
         10 . The convex wheel chock of  claim 6 , wherein the sensor provides input for a dock safety sensor system, the dock safety sensor system configured to provide, upon sensing the presence of the tire, an indication to an indoor location proximate an overhead door that it is safe to operate the overhead door. 
     
     
         11 . The convex wheel chock of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one projection extending from the base portion, configured to concentrate the load path to the ground surface. 
     
     
         12 . A wheel chock for a vehicle tire, comprising a contact surface configured to face towards the vehicle tire, the contact surface comprising a convex surface extending upwards from a base portion, and further comprising a concave extension surface extending upwards from an upper end of the convex surface. 
     
     
         13 . The wheel chock according to  claim 12 , wherein the upper end of the convex surface is positioned at an angle in a range between 20 and 30 degrees relative to the base portion.