Wheel chocks

Abstract

This product provides wheel chocks that can effectively exert frictional force with the wheels and securely fix them in place. [Solution] The wheel stopper 1 is installed in the gap between the vehicle's wheels and the road surface to prevent the vehicle from moving, and has a bottom surface 2 that contacts the road surface and an L extending from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction. b It is formed so that its height increases in the direction and has a wheel contact portion 3 that contacts the outer surface of the wheel, and the wheel contact portion 3 is L b The structure has multiple rows of stair sections 31, 32, and 33 that rise in a step-like manner in the direction of travel, and adjacent stair sections 31, 32, and 33 in the direction of travel have their steps staggered.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a wheel stopper that is installed in the gap between the wheels and the road surface when parking a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, wheel chocks have been widely used to ensure the safe parking of vehicles by physically preventing unexpected movement. Conventional wheel chocks are designed to be placed in the gap between the vehicle's tires and the road surface, preventing vehicle movement through friction between the tires and the wheel chock.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a wheel stopper having a wheel stopper body with an inclined surface on its upper side that contacts the tire. In this wheel stopper, the wheel stopper body is formed in a hollow shape, a reinforcing plate is provided in the hollow part, a handle is provided on the back of the wheel stopper body, and a friction material is provided on the underside of the wheel stopper body. This prevents the wheel stopper itself from slipping and allows it to perform its function as a wheel stopper. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2-69566 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, the wheel chock described in Patent Document 1 has a smooth surface on the inclined surface that contacts the tire. Therefore, the frictional force between the tire and the wheel chock may not be sufficient, and there is a concern that the tire and wheel chock may become misaligned. This could pose a safety risk, especially on slopes or slippery surfaces.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a wheel stopper that can exert sufficient frictional force with the wheel and can be securely fixed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The wheel stopper of the present invention is installed in the gap between the wheel of a vehicle and the road surface to prevent the vehicle from moving, and the wheel stopper has a bottom surface that is in contact with the road surface and a wheel contact portion that is formed to increase in height in one direction from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction and contacts the outer surface of the wheel, and the wheel contact portion has a plurality of rows in the width direction of stepped portions that increase in height in the aforementioned one direction, and adjacent stepped portions in the width direction are arranged in a staggered manner. Here, being arranged in a staggered manner means, for example, that when one stepped portion is viewed from the side, the steps of the other stepped portion are positioned in the gap between at least one set of steps of the first stepped portion.

[0008] The above-mentioned stair section has end stair sections located on both ends in the width direction of the wheel contact section and a central stair section located between the end stair sections, and is characterized in that the steps of the end stair sections and the central stair section are arranged in a staggered manner in the height direction and the length direction.

[0009] A groove-like section is interposed between the aforementioned stair sections at both ends and the aforementioned central stair section, and the groove-like section is characterized in that its bottom surface is formed as an inclined surface that is inclined so as to increase in height in one direction.

[0010] The above-mentioned staircase is characterized by having a projection that protrudes upward from the top surface of each step. The projection has a triangular cross-section along its length and is formed to extend in the width direction on the step.

[0011] The wheel stopper is characterized by having a marker on its back surface, which bulges outwards in an arc shape on the back surface, making it visible from the side of the wheel stopper.

[0012] The bottom portion has a bulge that partially extends outward in the width direction from the base portion, and in a plan view of the wheel stopper, the bulge is located outside the width region of the wheel contact portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The wheel stopper of the present invention has a bottom surface and a wheel contact surface. The wheel contact surface has multiple rows of stepped sections that rise in a stepped manner in one direction in the width direction. Compared to conventional wheel contact surfaces formed on a smooth surface, this makes it easier to catch on the wheel when installed in the gap between the wheel and the wheel. Furthermore, since adjacent stepped sections in the width direction are arranged at different levels, the gap between the outer surface of the wheel and the steps of the stepped sections can be reduced compared to when the wheel contact surface is uniformly formed in a stepped manner, making it easier to catch on the wheel. As a result, the wheel stopper can exert sufficient frictional force with the wheel and can be securely fixed.

[0014] The above-mentioned stair section has end stair sections located on both sides in the width direction of the wheel contact area, and a central stair section located between the end stair sections. Since the steps of the end stair sections and the central stair section are arranged at different heights and lengths, it is easier to adapt to the shape of the tire's tread pattern and to grip it.

[0015] A groove-like section is interposed between the aforementioned stair sections at both ends and the aforementioned central stair section. Since the bottom surface of this groove-like section is formed as an inclined surface with the height increasing in one direction, even when wheel chocks are installed during rainfall, water that enters the wheel contact area via the wheels can be easily drained to the outside of the wheel chock, preventing a large amount of water from accumulating and causing the wheels to slip.

[0016] Since a protrusion protruding upward is provided on the top surface of the step portion, it is easy to reduce the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the wheel and the step of the step portion, and it is easy to catch on the wheel. Further, since the protrusion has a triangular cross-section along the length direction and is formed to extend in the width direction in the step portion, it is easier to further reduce the gap.

[0017] A mark portion is provided on the back surface portion of the wheel stopper, and the mark portion bulges in an arc shape toward the outside of the back surface and is visible from the side of the wheel stopper. Therefore, when the user gets into the vehicle, etc., it is easy to notice the presence of the wheel stopper even from the side of the vehicle, and it is possible to prevent forgetting to remove the wheel stopper, etc., and it is excellent in convenience.

[0018] The bottom surface portion has a bulging portion that partially protrudes outward in the width direction from the base portion, and in the plan view of the wheel stopper, the bulging portion is located outside the width region of the wheel contact portion. Therefore, the center of gravity can be made to be outside the wheel contact portion where the wheel contacts, and the stability of the wheel stopper is improved. As a result, it is possible to prevent the wheel stopper from shifting when the wheel shifts and the wheel stopper from bouncing off.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a front perspective view of the first embodiment of the wheel stopper of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a front view of the wheel stopper of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a side view and a rear perspective view of the wheel stopper of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a plan view and a bottom view of the wheel stopper of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a front perspective view of the second embodiment of the wheel stopper of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a side view and a partial enlarged view of the wheel stopper of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a bottom perspective view of the wheel stopper of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] It is a side view and a bottom enlarged view showing another example of the back surface portion. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] The wheel chock of the present invention is used to prevent unexpected movement of a vehicle when parking or stopping, and is installed in the gap between the wheel and the road surface. A vehicle is a vehicle that runs on wheels, such as a regular passenger car, a light passenger car, a minivan, a truck, a bus, a motorcycle, or a construction vehicle. Large vehicles such as trucks and construction vehicles are often parked on the road for long periods of time for loading and unloading cargo or construction work, and wheel chocks are frequently used in such cases.

[0021] The wheels to which the wheel stopper of the present invention can be applied are not particularly limited, and tires mounted on the above-mentioned vehicles can be used. Furthermore, there are no restrictions on the size of the wheels to which it can be applied, and tires of any size can be used. In addition, the road surface on which the wheel stopper of the present invention is installed is not limited to paved roads such as asphalt or concrete, but may also be unpaved roads such as gravel roads, grasslands, sandy areas, etc.

[0022] The various embodiments of the wheel stopper of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0023] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the wheel stopper of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the wheel stopper 1 is trapezoidal and columnar, and its main constituent surfaces include a bottom surface 2 that is in contact with the road surface, a wheel contact surface 3 that contacts the outer surface of the wheel, a pair of side surfaces 4A and 4B (see Figure 2) located on the left and right sides of the wheel contact surface 3, a top surface 5, and a back surface 6. The wheel stopper 1 is symmetrical with respect to the center line in the width direction of the wheel stopper 1.

[0024] In the wheel stopper of the present invention, the direction parallel to the height from the road surface on which it is installed is called the height direction, the direction parallel to the width of the wheel (tire width) is called the width direction, and the direction perpendicular to the width direction in a plan view of the wheel stopper from above in the height direction is called the length direction. In addition, the side of the wheel contact portion of the wheel stopper is called the front side, and the opposite side is called the back side.

[0025] The external dimensions of a wheel chock vary depending on the size of the wheels to which it is applied, but for example, the width is 100mm to 180mm, the length is 200mm to 300mm, and the height is 100mm to 150mm. A longer wheel chock than its width is preferable from a stability standpoint. Note that the width refers to the maximum length in the width direction, the length refers to the maximum length in the length direction, and the height refers to the maximum height direction. The weight of a wheel chock is, for example, 1.0kg to 2.0kg.

[0026] The material of the wheel stopper 1 is preferably resin from the viewpoint of weight reduction and recyclability. Polyethylene (PE) resin, polypropylene (PP) resin, etc., can be used as the resin. Recycled plastic may also be used. Recycled plastic is plastic made by reusing plastic that has been used and discarded.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the wheel contact portion 3 is in one direction (hereinafter referred to as L) from one end (front side) to the other end (back side) in the longitudinal direction of the wheel stopper 1. b It is formed so that the height increases in the direction (also called the direction). The wheel contact portion 3 corresponds to the inclined surface portion of the trapezoidal column and is formed in a shape that fits into the gap between the wheel and the road surface.

[0028] In the wheel stopper 1, a vertical surface 1a is provided between the wheel contact portion 3 and the bottom portion 2. The vertical surface 1a has a predetermined height and is formed upright from the bottom portion 2. In addition, the vertical surface 1a may be omitted in the wheel stopper 1, and the wheel contact portion 3 and the bottom portion 2 may be directly connected.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the wheel contact portion 3 is L bIt has multiple rows (three rows in Figure 1) of stepped sections 31, 32, and 33 that rise in a stepped manner in the direction. The stepped sections 31, 32, and 33 have a predetermined width in the width direction and are spaced apart and parallel to each other in the width direction. The stepped sections 31 and 33 are located at both ends in the width direction of the wheel contact section 3, and the stepped section 32 is located between the stepped sections 31 and 33. The stepped sections 31 and 33 are formed to be the same shape as each other. The explanation of the stepped section 33 will be omitted as appropriate below.

[0030] The staircase section 31 is provided from the upper end of the upright surface 1a to the top surface 5, and is formed by a series of steps. Specifically, the staircase section 31 has, in order from the bottom, an inclined surface 31a connected to the upright surface 1a, a top surface 31b, a vertical surface 31c, a top surface 31d, a vertical surface 31e, a top surface 31f, a vertical surface 31g, a top surface 31h, a vertical surface 31i, and an upper surface 51. The inclined surface 31a is an inclined surface tilted at a predetermined angle (for example, 30° to 60°) with respect to the horizontal plane, the top surfaces 31b, 31d, 31f, and 31h are surfaces parallel to the horizontal direction, and the vertical surfaces 31c, 31e, 31g, and 31i are surfaces upright with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0031] In the staircase section 31, the connection points between the respective constituent surfaces described above may be connected by smooth curved surfaces, or by interposing inclined surfaces. The top surface of the uppermost step of the staircase section 31 constitutes a part of the upper surface 51 of the top surface section 5. In the staircase section 31, the height positions in the vertical direction are formed so that they increase in the order of top surfaces 31b, 31d, 31f, and 31h. Also, in the staircase section 31, L b The directional positions are formed so that they progress toward the back side in the order of vertical planes 31c, 31e, 31g, and 31i.

[0032] In the wheel contact area 3, an inclined surface 34 is formed at the lower part between the stair section 31 and the stair section 33, extending from the stair section 31 to the stair section 33. The inclined surface 34 is connected to the upright surface 1a. The inclined surface 34 is formed to rise at a gentler angle than the respective inclined surfaces 31a and 33a of the stair sections 31 and 33 on the outer side in the width direction, and is connected to the respective inclined surfaces 31a and 33a of the stair sections 31 and 33 via a step.

[0033] The staircase section 32 is provided from the upper end of the inclined surface section 34 to the top surface section 5, and is formed by a series of steps. Specifically, the staircase section 32 has, in order from the bottom, a vertical surface 32a, a top surface 32b, a vertical surface 32c, a top surface 32d, a vertical surface 32e, a top surface 32f, a vertical surface 32g, and a top surface 32h, all of which are provided upright from the inclined surface section 34. The top surfaces 32b, 32d, 32f, and 32h are surfaces parallel to the horizontal direction, while the vertical surfaces 32a, 32c, 32e, and 32g are surfaces that are upright with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0034] In the stair section 32, the connection points between the constituent surfaces described above may be connected by smooth curved surfaces, or by interposing inclined surfaces (see, for example, the stair section 32 in Figure 5). The top surface 32h of the uppermost step of the stair section 32 is connected so as to be flush with the upper surface 51 of the top surface section 5. In the stair section 32, the height positions in the vertical direction are formed so that they increase in the order of top surfaces 32b, 32d, 32f, and 32h. Also, in the stair section 32, L b The orientation is formed so that it progresses towards the back side in the order of vertical planes 32a, 32c, 32e, and 32g.

[0035] In Figure 1, the stair section 32 is positioned so that its widthwise center coincides with the widthwise center of the wheel contact section 3. However, the stair section 32 may be positioned so that its widthwise center is shifted to one side of the widthwise wheel contact section 3.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, a groove-shaped portion 35 is interposed between the stair section 31 and the stair section 32. Also, a groove-shaped portion 36 is interposed between the stair section 32 and the stair section 33. The bottom surfaces of these groove-shaped portions 35 and 36 are L b It is formed by an inclined surface that is sloped so that the height increases in the direction. The groove-shaped portions 35 and 36 are connected so that their lower ends are flush with the inclined surface of the inclined surface portion 34. At the wheel contact portion 3, the central part of the inclined surface portion 34 is divided by the stair portion 32.

[0037] The inclination angle of the inclined surfaces of the groove-shaped sections 35 and 36 is, for example, 30° to 60° with respect to the horizontal plane. This inclined surface may consist of a single inclined plane, multiple inclined planes with different inclination angles arranged in the longitudinal direction, an inclined curved surface, or a combination of an inclined plane and an inclined curved surface. The upper end of the groove-shaped section 35 is connected to the vertical surface 31i, and the upper end of the groove-shaped section 36 is connected to the vertical surface 33i. In Figure 1, the vertical surface 31i of the stair section 31 is formed to straddle the groove-shaped section 35, and the vertical surface 33i of the stair section 33 is formed to straddle the groove-shaped section 36.

[0038] In the wheel stopper of the present invention, adjacent stair sections in the width direction at the wheel contact section 3 are formed so that the steps are staggered. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the steps of stair section 31 and stair section 32 are staggered, and the steps of stair section 32 and stair section 33 are staggered. More specifically, in stair sections 31 and 33 and stair section 32, the steps are staggered in both the height and length directions. In this case, the stair patterns of stair sections 31 and 33 and stair section 32 are different.

[0039] Figure 2 will be used to explain the dimensions of each stair section. Figure 2 is a front view of the wheel stopper.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the staircase section 31 is formed in a staircase shape by connecting each constituent surface with a constant width w1. The width w1 is set appropriately according to the width dimension of the wheel stopper, for example, it is 10 mm to 30 mm. In addition, the step height between the top surface 31b and top surface 31d, the step height between the top surface 31d and top surface 31f, and the step height between the top surface 31f and top surface 31h of the staircase section 31 are all constant at h1. The step height h1 is set appropriately according to the height dimension of the wheel stopper, for example, it is 10 mm to 30 mm. In the staircase section 31, the step height between the top surface 31h and the top surface 51 is smaller than the other step heights. In the staircase section 31, the dimensional relationship between the width w1 and the step height h1 is not particularly limited, and the width w1 may be smaller than the step height h1, or it may be larger than the step height h1, as shown in Figure 2.

[0041] The staircase section 32 is formed in a staircase shape by connecting each constituent surface with a constant width w2. The width w2 is set appropriately according to the width dimension of the wheel stopper, for example, 10 mm to 30 mm. The step height between the top surface 32b and top surface 32d, and the step height between the top surface 32d and top surface 32f of the staircase section 32 are both constant at h2. The step height h2 is set appropriately according to the height dimension of the wheel stopper, for example, 10 mm to 30 mm. In the staircase section 32, the step height between the top surface 32f and top surface 32h is greater than the other step heights. In the staircase section 32, the dimensional relationship between the width w2 and the step height h2 is not particularly limited; the width w2 may be smaller than the step height h2, or it may be larger than the step height h2, as shown in Figure 2.

[0042] In Figure 2, the width w1 of the stair section 31 and the width w2 of the stair section 32 are equal. Furthermore, these widths are equal to the width w of the groove-shaped section 35. a The width of the groove-shaped portion 36 is equal to that of the groove-shaped portion 35. a The groove-shaped portion (and the groove-shaped portion 36) may be made smaller than the width w1 of the stair section 31 and the width w2 of the stair section 32, thereby ensuring a larger width for the stair section. This increases the contact area between the wheel and the stair section, making it easier for the wheel to catch.

[0043] Furthermore, in Figure 2, the step height h1 of stair section 31 and the step height h2 of stair section 32 are equal, but they may be set to different step heights.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, the top surfaces 31b, 31d, 31f, and 31h of stair section 31 and the top surfaces 32b, 32d, and 32f of stair section 32 are at different heights. Similarly, the top surfaces 32b, 32d, and 32f of stair section 32 and the top surfaces of stair section 33 are at different heights. Thus, in stair sections 31, 33, and stair section 32, the steps are arranged in a staggered manner in the height direction. However, in adjacent stair sections in the width direction, some top surfaces may be at the same height.

[0045] In FIG. 2, for the step portions 31 and 32, by forming them in a stepped shape with the same step height (h1 = h2) while setting the height positions of the bottommost top surfaces 31b and 32b at different height positions, there is a step difference in the height direction. Note that the form of the step difference in the height direction between the step portion 31 and the step portion 32 is not limited to this. The height positions of the bottommost top surfaces 31b and 32b may be set at the same height position and formed in a stepped shape with different step heights (h1 > h2 or h1 < h2) respectively. Also, the height positions of the bottommost top surfaces 31b and 32b may be set at different height positions and formed in a stepped shape with different step heights respectively. As another form, in each step portion, the step difference may be formed by making the step height different in some intervals.

[0046] FIG. 3(a) shows a side view of the wheel stopper as viewed from the side (side surface portion 4B side). As shown in FIG. 3(a), in the step portion 31, the vertical surfaces are arranged at a pitch of a certain length L1. This length L1 corresponds to the length in the length direction of each top surface of the step portion 31. Also, in the step portion 32, the vertical surfaces are arranged at a pitch of a certain length L2. This length L2 corresponds to the length in the length direction of each top surface of the step portion 32. The lengths L1 and L2 are appropriately set according to the length dimension of the wheel stopper or the like, for example, 10 mm to 30 mm.

[0047] In FIG. 3(a), the length L1 in the step portion 31 and the length L2 in the step portion 32 are equal, but they may be made different.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the step portions 31 and 32 are each formed in a stepped shape, and the vertical surfaces 31c, 31e, 31g, 31i of the step portion 31 and the vertical surfaces 32a, 32c, 32e, 32g of the step portion 32 have different positions in the length direction from each other. Thus, between the step portion 31 and the step portion 32, the step portions are arranged with a step difference in the length direction. Note that in the step portions adjacent in the width direction, there may be vertical surfaces at the same position in the length direction in part.

[0049] In FIG. 3, for the stepped portions 31 and 32, by forming them in a stepped shape with the same length pitch (L1 = L2) while setting the lengthwise positions of the lowermost vertical surfaces 31c and 32a at different positions, they are stepped in the lengthwise direction. Note that the form of the step difference in the lengthwise direction of the stepped portions 31 and 32 is not limited to this. The lengthwise positions of the lowermost vertical surfaces 31c and 32a may be set at the same position and formed in a stepped shape with different length pitches (L1 > L2 or L1 < L2). Also, the lengthwise positions of the lowermost vertical surfaces 31c and 32a may be set at different positions and formed in a stepped shape with different length pitches. As another form, in each stepped portion, the length pitch may be made different in some sections to create a step difference.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3(a), in the wheel contact portion 3, the stepped portion of the stepped portion 32 is arranged in a stepped manner so as to be positioned in the gap between the steps of the stepped portion 31. That is, when the wheel contact portion 3 is viewed from the side, the stepped portion of the stepped portion 32 located on the back side is visible through the gap between the top surface of the stepped portion 31 and the vertical surface rising from the top surface, and the stepped portion on the back side is arranged so as to fill the gap. Here, the gap refers to the space extending in the width direction partitioned by the top surface of an arbitrary step of the target stepped portion and the surface rising from the top surface. Thereby, compared with the case where the wheel contact portion 3 is composed of only the stepped portion 31, for example, the volume of the gap between the steps can be reduced, and it becomes easier for the wheel to get caught.

[0051] FIG. 3(b) shows a rear perspective view. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the back portion 6 has a back surface 61 and a pair of extending portions 62, 62 extending outward in the width direction from both sides in the width direction of the back surface 61 and in the L b direction. The upper ends of the pair of extending portions 62, 62 are connected by a bar-shaped portion along the width direction. This bar-shaped portion constitutes the handle portion 63. By forming the handle portion 63 on the back side, it is possible to easily carry the wheel stopper 1 while preventing the handle portion 63 from interfering when the wheel stopper 1 is used. Also, a connecting string for connecting the wheel stopper 1 and other wheel stoppers may be attached to the handle portion 63.

[0052] Next, FIG. 4(a) shows a plan view of the wheel stopper, and FIG. 4(b) shows a bottom view of the wheel stopper.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4(a), three rows of the above-described stepped portions are formed in the width direction in the wheel contact portion 3. Let the width region of this wheel contact portion 3 (in this case, the region from the end of the stepped portion 31 to the end of the stepped portion 33) be S. As shown in FIG. 4(b), a hollow portion 2e having a rectangular shape in bottom view is formed in the central portion of the bottom surface portion 2. The hollow portion 2e has a higher hollow height in the L b direction and is formed along the shape of the wheel contact portion 3. By providing the hollow portion 2e in the bottom surface portion 2 of the wheel stopper 1, the weight of the wheel stopper 1 can be reduced. Note that the hollow portion 2e forms a closed space except on the bottom surface side.

[0054] A rectangular frame-shaped base portion 2f is formed on the outer periphery of the hollow portion 2e. The base portion 2f is the portion that contacts the road surface. The bottom surface portion 2 further has bulging portions 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d that partially protrude outward in the width direction from the base portion 2f. The bulging portions 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are located outside the width region S of the wheel contact portion 3 in the plan view of the wheel stopper 1. The bulging portions 2a and 2b are located on both sides in the width direction on the front end side of the wheel stopper 1 and protrude outward in the width direction from the base portion 2f in a triangular shape. Also, the bulging portions 2c and 2d are located on both sides in the width direction on the back side of the wheel stopper 1 and are formed at the tips of the extending portions.

[0055] By forming bulges 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d on the bottom surface 2, the center of gravity can be positioned further outward in the width direction than the wheel contact area 3 where the wheel makes contact, thereby improving the stability of the wheel stopper 1. As a result, it is possible to prevent the wheel stopper 1 from shifting or being thrown off when the wheel moves. Furthermore, forming the bulges so that they protrude only in certain areas contributes to making the wheel stopper itself more compact and lighter. In Figure 4, the bulges 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are formed at positions corresponding to the four corners of the bottom surface 2, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the bulges may be formed only on the front end of the bottom surface 2, or only on the back side of the bottom surface 2. Also, the configuration of the bulges is not limited to that shown in Figure 4.

[0056] (Second Embodiment) Figure 5 shows a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the wheel stopper of the present invention. As shown in Figure 5, the wheel stopper 1A has a bottom surface portion 2 that is in contact with the road surface, and a wheel contact portion 3 that is formed so as to increase in height in one direction from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction, and that contacts the outer surface of the wheel. The wheel contact portion 3 is L b It has three rows in the width direction of stepped sections 31, 32, and 33 that rise in a stepped manner in the direction of travel.

[0057] In this wheel stop 1A as well, the adjacent stair sections 31, 32, and 33 in the width direction are arranged with their steps at different levels. Specifically, in stair sections 31 and 33 and stair section 32, the steps are arranged at different levels in both the height and length directions. In addition, groove-shaped sections 35 and 36 are interposed between stair section 31 and stair section 32, and between stair section 32 and stair section 33. These groove-shaped sections 35 and 36 extend to the vertical surface 1a, and their bottom surfaces are formed as inclined surfaces, with a portion being horizontal.

[0058] The following section will primarily describe the differences between this wheel stopper and the wheel stopper of the first embodiment.

[0059] In the wheel stop 1A, projections p are provided on the top surfaces of the steps of the stair sections 31, 32, and 33, projecting upward. In the case of stair section 31, projections p are provided on the top surfaces 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d of the steps, respectively. The projections p are formed to extend in the width direction on each top surface; that is, they are formed from one end to the other in the width direction of the top surface. Similar to stair section 31, projections p are also provided on the top surfaces of stair sections 32 and 33.

[0060] The projection will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6(a) is a side view of the wheel stopper in Figure 5, and Figure 6(b) is a magnified view of a part thereof. As shown in Figure 6(b), the projection p is composed of a pair of inclined surfaces p1 and p2, and its cross-section along the length is triangular. The connection point of the inclined surfaces p1 and p2 forms the vertex of the triangle. The shape of the triangle is not particularly limited, but for example, it is formed as an isosceles triangle with equal side lengths for the pair of inclined surfaces p1 and p2. The inclination angle θ of the inclined surface p1 with respect to the horizontal plane is, for example, 30° to 60°, specifically 45°.

[0061] It is preferable that the projection p on the top surface is formed at a position (lengthwise position) closer to the tip of the top surface. For example, in Figure 6(b), the projection p is formed on the top surface 31b such that its center (in this case, its apex) is located closer to the tip of the top surface 31b. Furthermore, it is preferable that the apex of the projection p on the top surface 31b is formed so that it is located closer to the tip than the vertical surface 32b of the adjacent step, which is located at a different step in the gap between the steps of the stair section 31.

[0062] Height of the protrusion h p The height of the projection is preferably set lower than the step height of the stair section where the projection is formed, and further, lower than the difference Δh in the height of the top surface between adjacent steps. For example, the height of the projection h p It is set to a height of 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of Δh.

[0063] As described above, by providing upwardly projecting projections p on the top surfaces of the steps of the stair sections 31 and 32, the gap between the wheel and the wheel contact section 3 is further reduced, as shown in Figure 6(a), and the outer edge shape of the wheel contact section 3 in side view can be made to conform to the outer surface of the wheel. As a result, the wheel contact section 3 can grip the wheel more easily and be securely fixed. Note that the shape of the projection is not limited to a triangular shape in cross-section, but may also be trapezoidal or arc-shaped in cross-section. Furthermore, it is preferable that the front side of the projection is formed with an inclined surface.

[0064] As shown in Figure 6(a), a recessed area 41 is formed on the side portion 4B (and similarly on the side portion 4A) that is partially recessed on the inward side. The upper part and both sides of the recessed area 41 are surrounded by a peripheral wall, and the lower part of the recessed area 41 is in communication with the bottom portion 2. Labels such as company names or reflectors can be attached to the recessed area 41. By forming a recessed area 41 on the side portion 4B that is recessed compared to the surrounding area, and by installing reflectors there, the reflectors become less likely to peel off. In addition, by forming the recessed area 41 over the lower end of the wheel stopper 1A, rainwater that has entered the inside of the recessed area 41 can be drained.

[0065] Furthermore, multiple grooves 21 are formed on the bottom surface 2. In Figure 6(a), the formation pattern of the grooves 21 is not the same, and multiple grooves 21 with different groove depths and shapes are formed. As shown in Figure 6(a), grooves with different groove depths may be arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction. By forming grooves 21 on the bottom surface 2, it becomes easier for the wheel stopper 1A to bite into the road surface, thus preventing the wheel stopper 1A itself from slipping and shifting. In addition, from the viewpoint of preventing shifting, an anti-slip member 22 is attached to the tip of the bottom surface 2. The anti-slip member 22 is made of, for example, rubber material and is attached so as to extend along the width direction (see Figure 7).

[0066] Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of the wheel stopper. In the wheel stopper 1A as well, a cavity 2e is formed in the bottom portion 2. The groove 21 in the bottom portion 2 has grooves formed along the width direction and grooves formed along the length direction. Some of the grooves 21 are formed to communicate with the cavity 2e.

[0067] The back portion 6 has a handle portion 63 formed at the top, and the lower back portion 61 has a recessed portion 64 that is inward (towards the tip). The top and both sides of the recessed portion 64 are surrounded by a peripheral wall, and the bottom of the recessed portion 64 is in communication with the bottom portion 2. For example, labels or reflectors can be installed in the recessed portion 64. In this case as well, installing reflectors in the recessed portion 64 makes it less likely for the reflectors to peel off. A further embodiment that enhances the visibility of markers such as reflectors will be explained with reference to Figure 8.

[0068] Figure 8 shows a side view and a magnified bottom view of the wheel chock in that configuration. In the wheel chock 1B, a marker portion 65 is provided at the lower part of the rear portion 6. Specifically, the marker portion 65 is provided so as to fit into a recess that is recessed inward from the rear portion 61. This marker portion 65 is made of a highly visible reflective material and is attached to the bottom surface of the recess. As shown in Figure 8(b), the marker portion 65 bulges outward in an arc shape toward the rear. Also, there are no peripheral walls on either the left or right side of the marker portion 65. In this case, as shown in Figure 8(a), the marker portion 65 is visible even from the side of the wheel chock 1B. As a result, it is easier for users to notice the presence of the wheel chock 1B from the side of the vehicle when getting into the vehicle, and it is possible to prevent forgetting to remove the wheel chock 1B.

[0069] The marker portion 65 only needs to be provided in a way that it can be seen from the side of the wheel stopper 1B. For example, it does not have to be provided in a recess that is recessed inward from the back surface 61, but may be provided as an arc-shaped bulge that protrudes outward from the back surface 61. Furthermore, it is not limited to an arc shape, and may be formed by a pair of inclined surfaces that bulge outward from the back surface.

[0070] The wheel stopper of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0071] For example, in Figure 1 above, groove-shaped sections 35 and 36 are provided between adjacent stair sections 31, 32, and 33 in the width direction at the wheel contact section 3. However, these groove-shaped sections 35 and 36 may be omitted, and the stair sections may be connected to each other. Also, the number of rows of stair sections is not limited to three; it may be two, four, or more. In that case as well, adjacent stair sections in the width direction will have their steps staggered. [Industrial applicability]

[0072] The wheel chock of the present invention can exert sufficient frictional force with the wheel and can be securely fixed, so it can be widely used as a wheel chock for a wide variety of vehicles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1, 1A, 1B Wheel chocks 2 Bottom part 3. Wheel contact area 31, 32, 33 Stairs 31a Slope 31b, 31d, 31f, 31h top surface 31c, 31e, 31g, 31i vertical plane 32b, 32d, 32f, 32h top surface 32a, 32c, 32e, 32g vertical surface 34 Slope section 35, 36 Groove 4A, 4B side part 41 Recess 5 Top part 51 Top side 52 Through hole 6 Back section 61 Back 62 Stretching section 63 Handle 64 recess 65 Marker section p protrusion

Claims

1. A wheel chock installed in the gap between the vehicle's wheels and the road surface to prevent the vehicle from moving, The wheel stopper has a bottom portion that contacts the road surface, and a wheel contact portion that is formed so as to increase in height in one direction from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction, and that contacts the outer surface of the wheel. The wheel stopper is characterized in that the wheel contact portion has multiple rows in the width direction of stepped sections that rise in a stepped manner in one direction, and adjacent stepped sections in the width direction are arranged at different levels.

2. The wheel stopper according to claim 1, wherein the stair section comprises end stair sections located on both ends in the width direction of the wheel contact section and a central stair section located between the end stair sections, and the steps of the end stair sections and the central stair section are arranged in a staggered manner in the height direction and the length direction.

3. The wheel stopper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a projection protruding upward is provided on the top surface of the step of the aforementioned staircase.

4. The wheel stopper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a marker is provided on the back of the wheel stopper, the marker bulges outwards in an arc shape toward the back and is visible from the side of the wheel stopper.

5. The wheel stopper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bottom portion has a bulge that partially extends outward in the width direction from the base portion, and in a plan view of the wheel stopper, the bulge is located outside the width region of the wheel contact portion.

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