Patent Application
20250087079
Not Applicable.
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Not Applicable.
This invention relates to loading docks. More particularly, it relates to monitoring or alerting systems for trucks and trailers at a loading dock.
When a truck, trailer or some other vehicle is parked at the loading dock of a building, a manually operated vehicle brace is often used to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly as cargo is transferred into or out of the vehicle. Some example vehicle braces include wheel chocks, manually operated vehicle restraints, and portable trailer stands. A wheel chock wedges between a dock driveway and the wheel of a vehicle to prevent it from accidentally pulling away from the dock.
Manually operated vehicle restraints include wheel-blocking barriers mounted to a track. The track is positioned on the driveway generally parallel to the parking area. The barrier can be manually moved along the track to position the barrier just ahead of a wheel of the vehicle. The barrier can then be manually moved laterally directly in front of the wheel, thereby blocking the wheel and preventing the vehicle from accidentally moving forward.
When the vehicle is a tractor/trailer combination, a locking device operated from inside the dock is used to secure the vehicle to the dock and prevent it from moving during the loading/unloading process.
This invention represents an improvement over U.S. Pat. No. 10,676,295, the disclosure of which is fully incorporated by reference herein. In that reference, a dock alarm system is combined with the foregoing vehicle restraint, wheel blocks/chucks.
As compared to that prior art patented system, this invention: (a) senses only green light; (b) communicates via an app to notify the driver; (c) through that app, records dock times and locations; (d) is rechargeable; (e) uses Bluetooth; (f) notifies the user if its main device component has been left at the dock station; and (g) notifies the user if its main device has fallen off the loading dock light.
This is a dock watching device (and method of use) for a truck/trailer operator—user to affix to a standard dock warning light system. Once quickly installed over the dock warning light, the operator—user will be electronically notified through the phone app when loading/unloading is complete and the rig (truck/trailer) is safe to leave the docking station. The device consists of: (i) a telescopic arm and clip for hanging onto the red-green light display of a standard loading dock in such a manner as to detect when the green light of that display has been illuminated; (ii) a sensor for: (a) detecting when the green light for the loading dock has been illuminated indicating that loading or unloading is finished and the rig can be safely removed from its temporary docking point; and for (b) emitting a signal to (iii) a user receiving device indicating that the loading dock green light has illuminated, and (iv) a charging connector for the user receiving device for keeping the receiving device sufficiently powered to wirelessly receive a signal from the sensor when the green light illumination has been detected. Preferably, the user receiving device is a portable cell phone, Apple or Android, onto which a specific phone app has been installed. That phone app includes the underlying software for receiving the emitted signal detected by the sensor and transferring to an alarm.
A method for using the device is also disclosed.
A preferred branding of this device and method is the DOCK WATCH™ system.
Further features, objectives and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when reviewed relative to the accompanying FIGURES in which:
Example monitoring and alerting systems for enhancing safety associated with a loading dock system that supports cargo loading and/or unloading from the vehicle (truck or trailer). The DOCK WATCH™ system attaches above ground level directly to the dock's red-green light warning system for allowing the operator/user to sit/rest in his/her cab until alerted that loading or unloading has finished—rather than sitting inside the cab and waiting/watching for the green light to illuminate. The DOCK WATCH system allows the operator/user to rest more comfortably; no more watching the light or sleeping with one eye open and not getting quality rest. This invention will watch for the green light for the purchaser of this system.
Additional features include alerting the operator/user if—when the system accidentally disconnects, or when the operator starts to leave his/her docking station BEFORE retrieving the handle component—for reuse at the next docking stop or if the device happens to fall off the light.
With background software in the system, the device component of this invention will make life easier for truckers by aggregating and, in live time, keeping pivotal information/data including: average unloading times for a given drop stop so that other drivers in the system will know.
Having described the best modes currently known for practicing this system and method, it is to be understood that the scope of this invention may be further described by the attached claims.
Not applicable.
This application is a perfection of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/532,402, filed on Aug. 13, 2023, the disclosure of which is fully incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63532402 | Aug 2023 | US |
