Retractable Loading Dock Leveler Cover

Abstract

The present invention provides a system to quickly and easily employ a thermal / wind barrier over the surface of a mechanical dock leveler. Dock levelers used in structures with loading docks allow air transfer and thermal conductivity into the loading dock area from the outside environment through joints and openings in and around the dock leveler, when the leveler is not in use, causing economic loss of climate controlled air. The present invention provides a system to employ a thermal / wind barrier over the surface of a dock leveler when it is not being used, so as to prevent this loss. The barrier is deployed and retracted by use of a detent clutch operated spooling mechanism. The spooling mechanism is enclosed in a housing which is mounted to the inside, bottom surface of a loading dock door. An alternative embodiment uses an electric motor to deploy and retract the barrier.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not ApplicableSTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableREFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX[0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]The present invention relates to accessories for mechanical dock levelers (hereinafter “dock levelers”) used to assist in the loading and unloading of trailers from the loading docks of buildings such as warehouses, manufacturing facilities and large retail and wholesale stores (hereinafter “loading dock”). It specifically relates to thermal / wind barriers used to cover a dock leveler, during periods of time when the dock leveler is not being used to load and unload trailers from loading docks.[0005]Usually, when a dock leveler is not being used to load and unload trailers, it is folded down into an open area or “pit” in the floor of the loading dock adjacent to, and immediately in front of, the loading dock's d...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a thermal / wind barrier that can be easily deployed and retracted to cover the entire surface of a loading dock leveler when not in use. The barrier is held in a housing that is attached to the interior of the loading dock door and is of the same width as the door. The housing is made of a lightweight, durable material such as PVC or thin gauge steel or aluminum. The barrier is spooled onto a detent clutch mechanism inside the housing and can be easily moved and locked in position. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a quick and easy way to cover the entire surface of the loading dock leveler with a thermal / wind barrier when not in use, which helps to protect the dock leveler from damage and facilitates the loading and unloading of trailers."

Problems solved by technology

This causes the economic loss of the value of environmentally controlled air in the loading dock area and creates an uncomfortable working environment therein.

Prior art demonstrates few devices designed to address these problems.

However, such devices fail to provide any weather or thermal protection during periods of time when the dock leveler is not being used.

This art also fails to provide for weather or thermal protection when the dock leveler is not in use and further fail to provide any protection from the loss of thermal conductivity.

Images