A DEVICE FOR RELEASABLY SECURING ONE UNIT AGAINST A SECOND UNIT
A device (10) is provided for use in releasably securing one unit (e.g., the rear end of a truck vehicle) against a second unit (e.g., a loading dock (D)). The device (10) comprises an elongated member (11) mounted for controlled endwise movement relative to a locking assembly (17), the latter being adjustably mounted on the loading dock (D). Carried by the elongated member (11) and extending from an end thereof towards the truck is an attaching cable (12) which is adapted to be releasably secured to the truck when the elongated member (11) is disposed in a predetermined relative position with respect to the locking assembly (17). A brake (25) is adjustably mounted within the locking assembly (17) for movement between operative and inoperative positions. When the brake (25) is in an operative position, the exterior of the elongated member (11) is frictionally engaged thereby so that the elongated member (11) can be moved endwise in only one direction away from the truck. When the brake (25) is in an inoperative position, the elongated member (11) can be moved in either endwise direction relative to the locking assembly (17). The brake (25) is biased to normally assume an operative position. Manually actuated lever (32) and finger (30) are carried on the locking assembly (17) for moving the brake (25) from an operative position to an inoperative position.