Wheel restraint device and quick-connect hooks for use therewith

Abstract

An apparatus designed to restrain wheels and vehicles on a support surface includes an upper restraint supported on a upper outer surface of the wheel; first and second inner flexible members and first and second outer flexible members coupled to and extending from the upper restraint on inner and outer sides of the wheel, respectively; first and second quick-connect hooks respectively securing the inner flexible members to the support surface; first and second adjustment mechanisms respectively securing the outer flexible members to the support surface with the outer flexible members crossing; and first and second lower restraints coupled respectively to the first inner and outer flexible members and the second inner and outer flexible members, and abutting a lower outer surface of the wheel. The quick-connect hooks may include a resilient retaining member such as a coiled spring which permits a free end of the retaining member to be bent in a plurality of directions. Alternatively, the quick-connect hooks may include an additional oppositely-arcuate catch member which maintains the hooks in a generally upright orientation when the hooks are installed on the support surface but no tension is applied to the inner flexible members.