Sealing device for a boarding bridge

Abstract

A loading dock includes a dock leveler movable between a standard loading position, a cross-traffic position, and a below-dock loading position. The dock leveler has a deck and a lip movably coupled to the deck. A seal assembly is coupled to the loading dock adjacent a front edge of the dock leveler. The seal assembly sealingly engages a front surface of the lip and a rear surface of the lip of the dock leveler when the dock leveler is positioned in the cross-traffic position or the below-dock position.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 201980045466.4, filed on May 7, 2019, entitled "Sealing Device for Platform Boarding Bridge".

[0002] Related applications

[0003] This patent claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 668,216, filed May 7, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure generally relates to dock levers (platform platform height adjustment plates), and more particularly to sealing devices for dock levers. Background Technology

[0005] The loading platform of the building includes an outer access road with an elevated loading platform for loading and / or unloading vehicles, such as trucks and trailers located near the access road. To compensate for the height difference between the loading platform platform and the cargo box of an adjacent vehicle (e.g., a truck or trailer), many loading platforms have platform loading ramps. Platform loading ramps include a deck or ramp pivotally hinged along its rear edge to change the height of the front edge relative to the vehicle cargo box. To bridge the gap between the front edge of the deck and the rear of the vehicle cargo box, platform loading ramps include extensions or lips extending outward from the front edge of the deck.

[0006] The deck and lip are movable between a stowage position and various operating positions. In the stowage position, the deck can be vertical or horizontal, depending on the type of platform loading ramp. The lip can extend from the front edge of the deck to rest on the vehicle's cargo compartment, providing a bridge between the deck and the cargo compartment, thereby allowing personnel and material handling equipment to be easily moved onto and off the vehicle during loading and / or unloading operations.

[0007] To help shield vehicles from the weather while they are in service at the platform, seals can be installed around the perimeter of the doorway. These seals can be installed along the top and side edges of the doorway to help seal the air gap between the building's facade and the rear of the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1A This is a front view of a traditional loading platform, with exemplary vehicles shown as imaginary lines.

[0009] Figure 1B The loading platform in Figure 1 is facing from the inside of the loading platform. Figure 1A A perspective view of the rear of an example vehicle.

[0010] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B Another perspective view of the loading platform.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a front view of an exemplary loading platform implementing an exemplary sealing device constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a top view of Figure 1.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of an exemplary loading platform shows an exemplary platform boarding bridge in an exemplary storage position.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary front seal of an exemplary sealing device.

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary rear seal of an exemplary sealing device.

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional views of an exemplary front seal and an exemplary seal mounting system of an exemplary sealing device.

[0017] Figure 8 It is similar to Figure 4 The side view shows the exemplary platform boarding bridge in the exemplary standard loading position.

[0018] Figure 9 It is similar to Figure 4 The side view shows an exemplary platform boarding bridge in an exemplary traffic-crossing location.

[0019] Figure 10 It is similar to Figure 4 The side view shows an exemplary platform boarding bridge positioned below the platform.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a front view of an exemplary loading platform having another exemplary sealing device disclosed herein.

[0021] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Top view.

[0022] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 Cross-sectional views of an exemplary front seal and an exemplary mounting system of an exemplary sealing device.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a front view of an exemplary loading platform having another exemplary sealing device disclosed herein.

[0024] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Top view.

[0025] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 Cross-sectional views of an exemplary front seal and an exemplary mounting system of an exemplary sealing device.

[0026] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of another exemplary loading platform having another exemplary sealing device of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A partial perspective view of an exemplary loading platform.

[0028] Figure 19 yes Figure 17-18 A perspective view of an exemplary front seal mounting fastener of an exemplary sealing device.

[0029] Figure 20 yes Figure 17 A side view of an exemplary rear seal of an exemplary sealing device.

[0030] Figure 21A and Figure 21B yes Figure 17-20 A partial assembly view of an exemplary rear seal of an exemplary sealing device.

[0031] Figure 22 yes Figure 17-20 Another assembly view of the exemplary rear seal of the exemplary sealing device.

[0032] Figure 23 yes Figure 17 An exploded view of an exemplary front seal of an exemplary sealing device.

[0033] Figure 24 yes Figure 17 and Figure 23 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary front seal.

[0034] Figure 25 yes Figure 17 and 23 A side view of an exemplary front seal.

[0035] Figure 26 yes Figure 17 A side view of an exemplary loading platform, showing the exemplary loading platform in an exemplary storage position.

[0036] Figure 27 yes Figure 17 A side view of an exemplary loading platform, showing the exemplary loading platform in a standard loading position.

[0037] Figure 28 yes Figure 17 A side view of an exemplary loading platform, showing the exemplary loading platform in an exemplary cross-traffic location.

[0038] Figure 29 yes Figure 17 A side view of an exemplary loading platform, showing the exemplary loading platform in an exemplary lower platform position.

[0039] Figure 30 This is a partial perspective view of an exemplary loading platform having another exemplary sealing device disclosed herein.

[0040] Figure 31 yes Figure 30 A partial assembly side view of an exemplary rear seal of an exemplary sealing device.

[0041] Figure 32 yes Figures 30-31 A perspective view of an exemplary rear seal.

[0042] Figure 33 yes Figure 30-32 An exemplary rear seal is shown in a perspective, partially exploded view.

[0043] Figure 34 yes Figures 30-33 A partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary rear seal.

[0044] Figure 35 yes Figures 30-34 A perspective view of a portion of an exemplary rear seal.

[0045] Figure 36 This is a perspective view of another exemplary rear seal disclosed herein.

[0046] Figure 37 yes Figure 36 An exploded view of an exemplary rear seal.

[0047] Figure 38 yes Figures 36-37 A perspective view and a partial assembly view of an exemplary rear seal.

[0048] Figure 39 yes Figures 36-38 Another perspective view, partially assembled view, of the exemplary rear seal.

[0049] Figure 40A and Figure 40BThis is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary front seal disclosed herein, which can be used to implement the exemplary sealing device disclosed herein.

[0050] Figures 41a-41e are cross-sectional views of an exemplary rear seal disclosed herein, which can be used to implement the exemplary sealing device disclosed herein.

[0051] Figures 42a-42d are cross-sectional views of an exemplary rear seal disclosed herein, which can be used to implement the exemplary sealing device disclosed herein.

[0052] Some examples are shown in the above figures and described in detail below. In describing these examples, similar or identical reference numerals are used to identify the same or similar elements. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated to scale or schematically for clarity and / or conciseness. Furthermore, some examples have been described throughout the specification. Any feature of any example may be included in, substitute for, or combine with other features of other examples. As used in this patent, claiming that any component is positioned on another component in any way (e.g., positioned thereon, disposed thereon, formed thereon, attached thereon, etc.) means that the relevant component is in contact with the other component, or that the relevant component is spaced apart from the other component and one or more intermediate components are located between them. Claiming that any component is in contact with another component means that there is no intermediate component between the two components. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Figure 1A This is the front view of the known loading platform 12'. Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A perspective view of loading platform 12', showing the rear of vehicle 20 positioned at loading platform 12'. Figure 1C yes Figure 1A Another perspective view of loading platform 12', showing the rear of vehicle 20. (Reference) Figure 1A-1C The illustrated loading platform 12' includes a platform ramp for bridging the gap between the platform 22 of the loading platform 12' and the vehicle cargo box 18 of the vehicle 20. When the vehicle 20 is positioned near the doorway 15, a first gap Y is formed along the width of the opening of the doorway 15 (e.g., in the x-direction) between the pit floor 19 of the loading platform 12' and the bottom surface of the rear edge 66 of the vehicle 20 (in the y-direction). Figure 1B The gap in the xy plane of the orientation). In addition, a second gap Z is formed (in the z direction) between the platform surface 40 and the rear edge 66 of the trailer along the width of the opening of the portal 15 (in the x direction). Figure 1C(in the xz plane of the orientation). In some cases, a third gap is formed at the hinge gap between the deck and the platform boarding bridge lip. During loading and unloading operations, undesirable environmental factors (e.g., cold air, debris, etc.) may pass through the first gap Y, the second gap Z, and / or the third gap.

[0054] The exemplary sealing devices disclosed herein seal (e.g., close or reduce) air gaps at loading platforms. In some examples, the sealing devices disclosed herein can seal air gaps formed between the vehicle and the platform surface of the loading platform (e.g., a first air gap), air gaps formed between the outer surface of the lip of the loading ramp and the vehicle (e.g., when the lip is in a retracted position or in an end-loading configuration) (e.g., a second air gap), and / or air gaps formed between the hinges pivotally connecting the lip and the ramp (e.g., a third air gap). For example, the seals disclosed herein can seal... Figure 1B and Figure 1C The first gap Y and / or the second gap Z. Therefore, the exemplary sealing device disclosed herein can prevent or limit environmental factors (e.g., snow, cold air, debris accumulation, etc.) from entering the interior of the building and / or the area of ​​the platform boarding bridge during loading and / or unloading operations, so as to keep the pit area relatively free from obstructions, thereby achieving hygiene and operational purposes.

[0055] Furthermore, the exemplary sealing devices disclosed herein do not interfere with the operation of platform loading ramps or other platform equipment, nor with cleaning operations in the pit area. In some examples, the sealing devices disclosed herein are capable of elastic movement and / or compressibility to withstand shocks and friction during loading and / or unloading operations. In some examples, the sealing devices disclosed herein employ a single seal (e.g., a front seal or a rear seal) to provide a seal. In some examples, the sealing devices disclosed herein employ multiple seals (e.g., a front seal and a rear seal) to provide a seal.

[0056] Figure 2 An exemplary loading platform 12 is shown, implemented using an exemplary sealing device 21 (e.g., a sealing assembly) constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A top view of loading platform 12. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Side view of loading platform 12. Figure 2-4 The loading port 12a of the loading station 12 is shown. In some examples, the loading station 12 may include multiple loading ports located adjacent to the loading port 12a.

[0057] For spatial reference, arrow 30 represents the forward direction, arrow 32 represents the backward direction, arrow 34 represents the upward direction, and arrow 36 represents the downward direction. Figure 3In the diagram, arrow 38 indicates the horizontal direction perpendicular to the forward direction 30.

[0058] refer to Figure 2-4 The illustrated loading platform 12 includes a platform surface 40 (e.g., a building wall) and a driveway 37 defining a portal 15 facing forward 30, the driveway 37 allowing a vehicle 20 to approach the portal 15 of the loading platform 12. In some examples, the platform surface 40 includes a buffer 42 to absorb impacts between the vehicle 20 and the platform surface 40. In some examples, the loading platform 12 includes other equipment, including vehicle restraint devices (e.g., wheel wedges, rear impact protection barriers, hooks, etc.), to prevent the vehicle 20 from leaving the loading platform 12 prematurely.

[0059] To transfer goods between platform 22 (e.g., inside a building) and vehicle cargo compartment 18, the illustrated loading platform 12 includes platform loading ramps 10. The illustrated platform loading ramps 10 are vertically retractable. For example, when deck 14 is in... Figure 2-4 In the exemplary stowage position, the deck 14 of the platform loading ramp 10 is in a substantially vertical position (e.g., in the xy plane). The platform loading ramp 10 includes a deck 14 and a lip 16, which together provide an articulated, adjustable ramp or bridge for transferring cargo between the cargo box 18 of a vehicle 20 (e.g., a truck, trailer, etc.) and the platform 22 of the loading platform 12. The illustrated platform 22 is at a height 11 above the lane 37, which is below the height 13 between the rear edge 66 of the vehicle 20 and the lane 37. As used herein, the rear edge 66 of the vehicle 20 includes the lowest edge of the trailer of the vehicle 20. For example, the lowest edge may include a portion of the surface of the trailer or vehicle 20 (e.g., defined by the rear edge 66) oriented toward the platform surface 40 and / or a portion of the surface of the trailer or vehicle 20 (e.g., defined by the rear edge 66) oriented toward the lane 37. In some examples, the exemplary sealing device disclosed herein engages or seals at least against a surface of vehicle 20 defined by rear edge 66 oriented toward platform surface 40 or a surface of vehicle 20 defined by rear edge 66 oriented toward lane 37.

[0060] The illustrated loading platform 12 includes a pit 28 recessed relative to platform 22 to provide an area (e.g., a gap / space) that allows deck 14 to pivot relative to vehicle 20 (e.g., vehicle cargo box 18) during loading and / or unloading operations between a fully raised position and various lowered or operational positions (e.g., across traffic position, below platform position, etc.). In some such examples, pit 28 may form a continuous area (e.g., without partition walls or structures) between loading port 12a of loading platform 12 and multiple adjacent loading ports. For example, pit 28 extends or connects to the pits of adjacent loading port. The continuous area forming pit 28 facilitates cleaning operations on pit 28 (e.g., for sanitation applications). For example, pit 28 is typically open and easily accessible for cleaning when platform loading ramp 10 is in the retracted position.

[0061] refer to Figure 4 The platform loading ramp 10 is in an exemplary retracted position. In the retracted position, the deck 14 is in a raised position (e.g., fully raised position), and the lip 16 is in a retracted position (e.g., fully retracted position). To enable the deck 14 to pivot relative to the platform 22, the platform loading ramp 10 is pivotally coupled to a frame 54 positioned (e.g., anchored) in the pit 28. To pivotally couple the deck 14 to the frame 54, the rear edge 52 of the deck 14 is coupled to the frame 54 via a rear hinge 56. To pivotally couple the lip 16 and the deck 14, the lip 16 is coupled to the front edge 55 of the deck 14 via a front hinge 58. The front hinge 58 at the front edge 55 of the deck 14 and the rear hinge 56 at the rear edge 52 of the deck 14 allow the platform loading ramp 10 to adjust or compensate for the height difference between the platform 22 and the vehicle cargo compartment 18. To enable the deck 14 and / or the lip 16 to pivot relative to the platform 22, the platform loading ramp 10 is pivotally coupled to the platform 22. Figure 4 Storage locations and various lowering locations (e.g.) Figure 8-10 The platform boarding bridge 10 moves between positions and employs one or more actuators 62 (e.g., hydraulic cylinders, linear motors, mechanical linkages, airbags, springs, and combinations thereof).

[0062] To seal one or more gaps (e.g., Figure 1B The first gap Y, Figure 1CThe second gap Z, etc., would otherwise create one or more gaps between the loading platform 12 (e.g., lip 16) and the vehicle 20 and / or between the platform surface 40 and the vehicle 20. The illustrated loading platform 12 includes a sealing device 21. The illustrated sealing device 21 includes a first or front seal 24 and a second or rear seal 26. In some examples, the front seal 24 and / or the rear seal 26 engage the rear edge 66 such that at least a portion of the front seal 24 and / or the rear seal 26 engages at least a portion of the surface of the vehicle 20 adjacent to the rear edge 66 oriented toward the platform surface 40, or a portion of the surface of the vehicle 20 adjacent to the rear edge 66 oriented toward the lane 37.

[0063] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the front seal 24. (Reference) Figure 2-5 The front seal 24 is horizontally elongated to define a longitudinal axis 88. The front seal 24 includes a shaft 80, an outer tube 82, an elastically compressible foam member 84 (e.g., polyurethane foam), and a flexible sleeve 86 (e.g., fabric, vinyl, etc.). The shaft 80 is a relatively rigid metal tube (e.g., a pipe fitting). The outer tube 82 is radially supported by the shaft 80 and is rotatable relative to the shaft 80 about the longitudinal axis 88 (e.g., a center of rotation). In some examples, the outer tube 82 is made of polyvinyl chloride (e.g., a PVC pipe fitting).

[0064] Figure 6 yes Figure 2-5 A cross-sectional view of the rear seal 26. The illustrated rear seal 26 includes a compressible core 70 (e.g., a compressible foam core, polyurethane foam) enclosed or fitted within a sleeve 72 (e.g., a flexible protective sleeve, vinyl, etc.). To attach the rear seal 26 to the platform surface 40 for easy access to the pit 28 (e.g., for cleaning the pit 28), the rear seal 26 is detachably attached to the platform surface 40. To detachably attach the rear seal 26 to the platform surface 40, the rear seal 26 includes a fastener 74. The illustrated fastener 74 is a tool-free fastener. The term "tool-free fastener" refers to any connector that can be easily disconnected and reconnected manually without tools. For example, the illustrated fastener 74 includes a plurality of disc magnets 76. The disc magnets 76 are attached to a strip of material 78 extending from the sleeve 72 (e.g., a protective sleeve or fabric) of the rear seal 26. Other exemplary fasteners (e.g., tool-free fasteners) used to detachably attach the rear seal 26 to the platform surface 40 include, but are not limited to: snap-fit ​​connectors, VELCRO (a registered trademark of Velcro, UK), hook and loop fasteners, magnets, etc. In some examples, the rear seal 26 may be attached to other structures (e.g., fixed structures) of the loading platform 12 and / or platform boarding bridge 10 (e.g., frame 54).

[0065] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the mounting system 90a of the sealing device 21. To maintain the front seal 24 adjacent to the rear seal 26, the illustrated sealing assembly 200 includes the mounting system 90a. For example, when the lip 16 and / or the vehicle 20 are not engaged with the front seal 24 and the rear seal 26, the mounting system 90a holds the front seal 24 at approximately the same height as the rear seal 26. Furthermore, the mounting system 90a allows the front seal 24 to move (e.g., in a forward direction 30, a rearward direction 32, an upward direction 34, a downward direction 36, and / or a lateral direction 38).

[0066] The illustrated installation system 90a includes a counterweight 92 (e.g., a metal bar or rod) and a cable 94 (e.g., a rope, cord, belt, chain, cable, etc.). For example, the counterweight 92 may be an anchor fastener that connects the cable 94 to the loading platform 12. The illustrated installation system 90a includes a connector 96, a tube 98 (e.g., a generally vertical tube), and a pulley 100. The connector 96 connects one end of the cable 94 to a shaft 80. The illustrated connector 96 is a bushing with external threads for threaded engagement with the internal threads of the shaft 80. The connector 96 may be made of aluminum, plastic, and / or (one or more) any other suitable material. In some examples, the connector 96 may be a threadless connector, a snap-fit ​​connector, a retainer, and / or any other connector to engage the shaft 80. The cable 94 includes a knot at one end that engages with the connector 96 to retain the cable 94 connected to the connector 96. Cable 94 is fed through opening 104 in tube 98, engages with pulley 100 (e.g., passes over it), and extends downward to suspend counterweight 92 within the cavity of tube 98. While counterweight 92 tends to keep front seal 24 adjacent to rear seal 26, it allows front seal 24 to displace relative to rear seal 26 and / or platform surface 40 (e.g., in a resilient, non-damaging manner) without damaging front seal 24. Suspended within the cavity of tube 98 by cable 94, counterweight 92 is capable of sliding within the cavity of tube 98.

[0067] Mounting system 90a includes a pin 93 extending through tube 98 to secure counterweight 92 within tube 98 during, for example, operation, maintenance, and / or transportation (e.g., fixing the position of counterweight 92 within tube 98). During operation, pin 93 restricts counterweight 92 in the longitudinal direction (e.g., upward direction 34, downward direction 36, or...). Figure 4The pin 93 restricts the movement of the counterweight 92 in the longitudinal direction (e.g., restricts the movement of the counterweight 92 toward the pulley 100) and prevents the counterweight 92 from (e.g., directly) engaging, impacting, or contacting the pulley 100. For adjustment, maintenance, and / or installation, the pin 93 can be moved or removed to allow access to the counterweight 92 and / or removal from the tube 98. During transport, the pin 93 is capable of securing the counterweight 92 within the tube 98 (e.g., restricting or preventing movement of the counterweight 92 in the upward direction 34 and / or downward direction 36). In the transport position, the pin 93 can pass through an opening (e.g., an eyelet or hook) in the counterweight 92. In some examples, when the pin 93 is in the transport position, the pin 93 prevents movement of the counterweight 92 in the upward direction 34 and downward direction 36. In other words, pin 93 fixes the position of counterweight 92 relative to tube 98, so that counterweight 92 cannot move relative to tube 98 and / or pin 93. In some examples, at least one other pin or similar feature may be used to guide the movement of counterweight 92 within tube 98 or limit the range of movement of counterweight 92 within tube 98.

[0068] During loading and / or unloading operations, the platform loading ramp 10 can be positioned at different locations relative to the vehicle cargo compartment 18. For example, Figure 8 The platform boarding bridge 10 is shown in an exemplary standard loading position.

[0069] Figure 9 The platform boarding bridge 10 is shown in an exemplary cross-traffic location (e.g., a roughly horizontal location).

[0070] Figure 10 The diagram shows the platform loading ramp 10 in a position below the platform (e.g., fully lowered). For example, to use the platform loading ramp 10 for vehicle-end loading and / or vehicle-end unloading operations, the ramp 14 can be positioned to... Figure 9 Crossing traffic locations and Figure 10 It is located below the platform.

[0071] When deck 14 and lip 16 are in the position during loading and / or unloading operations Figure 8-10 In the position shown, the illustrated sealing device 21 seals (e.g., closes or blocks) the air gap, which would otherwise be formed between the platform surface 40 and the rear edge 66 of the vehicle 20. For example, the front seal 24 and / or the rear seal 26 shield the pit 28 from environmental factors (e.g., outdoor weather, snow, rain, etc.) and / or debris by blocking the air gap, which would otherwise be present between the front edge 64 of the pit 28 and the rear edge 66 of the vehicle 20.

[0072] For example, Figure 8The platform loading ramp 10 is shown in its standard loading position. In the standard position, the ramp 14 is in the lowered position, and the lip 16 is in the extended position (e.g., fully extended position) and is at least partially positioned on the vehicle cargo box 18. Specifically, Figure 8 The rear impact protection device 68 of vehicle 20 is shown engaging with the buffer device 42 of platform surface 40. To move platform loading ramp 10 to a standard loading position, one or more actuators 62 move lip 16 to an extended position (e.g., a fully extended position) and lower deck 14 until lip 16 rests on vehicle cargo compartment 18. With platform loading ramp 10 positioned in the standard loading position, cargo can be transferred between platform 22 and vehicle cargo compartment 18 via platform loading ramp 10.

[0073] In the standard position, the front seal 24 and the rear seal 26 are located below or beneath the deck 14 and lip 16. Furthermore, the front seal 24 engages the rear seal 26 and the rear edge 66 of the vehicle 20 to close an air gap between the rear edge 66 of the vehicle 20 and the front edge 64 of the pit 28 and / or the platform surface 40, which would otherwise exist between the rear edge 66 of the vehicle 20 and the front edge 64 of the pit 28 and / or the platform surface 40. In the illustrated example, the front seal 24 and the rear seal 26 are horizontally elongated and substantially extend the entire width of the deck 14 and lip 16. In some examples, the front seal 24 and / or the rear seal 26 extend a distance less than the entire width of the deck 14, or extend a distance greater than the entire width of the deck 14.

[0074] Figure 9 The platform boarding bridge 10 is shown in a position spanning traffic. When deck 14... Figure 4 The storage location was lowered to Figure 9When the vehicle crosses a traffic position, the lip 16 is in a retracted position and engages with the sealing device 21 (e.g., positioned between the front seal 24 and the rear seal 26). To enable the lip 16 to be positioned between the front seal 24 and the rear seal 26 without damaging the rear seal 26 and / or the front seal 24 when the lip 16 engages with the front and rear seals 24, the mounting system 90a allows the front seal 24 to move relative to the platform surface 40 and / or the rear seal 26 (e.g., in a forward direction 30, a backward direction 32, an upward direction 34, a downward direction 36, and / or a lateral direction 38). For example, a counterweight 92 slides within a tube 98 (e.g., in an upward direction 34) to allow the front seal 24 to move in a direction away from the platform surface 40. Furthermore, the rear seal 26 can be compressed or deflected relative to the platform surface 40 and / or the front seal 24. Therefore, the front seal 24 can be separated or offset relative to the rear seal 26 so that the lip 16 is positioned between the front seal 24 and the rear seal 26. The mounting system 90a biases the front seal 24 into a sealing engagement with the lip 16 via a counterweight 92. To ensure the lip 16 is in a sealed position... Figure 9 When the lip 16 is received and / or supported across the traffic location, the illustrated loading platform 12 includes one or more lip retainers 48. The illustrated buffer 42 and lip retainer 48 are combined into a single unit and mounted relatively low, such that the buffer 42 engages with the rear impact protection device 68 of the vehicle 20.

[0075] exist Figure 9 In the cross-traffic position, deck 14 is substantially parallel to the vehicle cargo box 18. Furthermore, the lip 16 is in a retracted position (e.g., fully retracted or stowed). For example, the lip 16 is positioned substantially perpendicular to deck 14. As used herein, substantially parallel means perfectly parallel or nearly parallel (e.g., within 10 degrees or 10% of perfect parallelism). As used herein, substantially perpendicular means perfectly perpendicular or nearly perpendicular (e.g., within 10 degrees or 10% of perfect perpendicularism).

[0076] Specifically, the lip 16 is positioned (e.g., pressed sealingly) between the rear seal 26 and the front seal 24. For example, the rear seal 26 sealably engages the rear surface of the lip 16, and the front seal sealfully engages the front surface of the lip 16. In the illustrated example, the front seal 24, the lip 16, and / or the rear seal 26 close the gap between the rear edge 66 of the vehicle 20 and the front edge 64 of the pit 28. For example, the front seal 24 and the rear seal 26 close, block, or reduce the gap between the front surface of the lip 16 and the rear edge 66 of the vehicle 20.

[0077] Figure 10The diagram shows the platform boarding bridge 10 in a position below the platform (e.g., fully lowered). In the position below the platform, the deck 14 is positioned at an angle (e.g., a downward angle toward the vehicle 20), and the lip 16 is positioned between the front seal 24 and the rear seal 26 in a partially extended or retracted position. In the fully lowered position, the deck 14 slopes downward from its rear edge 52 to its front edge 55. When the deck 14 is as... Figure 10 When shown in the fully lowered position and with the lip 16 in the partially extended position, the lip 16 is positioned in front of the lip retainer 48. The exemplary platform boarding bridge 10 includes a stop block 60 to prevent the deck from being in a position such as... Figure 10 The deck 14 is supported in the fully lowered position as shown. In the illustrated example, the front seal 24, lip 16, and / or rear seal 26 close the gap between the rear edge 66 of the vehicle 20 and the front edge 64 of the pit 28. For example, the front seal 24 closes, blocks, or reduces the gap between the front surface of the lip 16 and the rear edge 66 of the vehicle 20, and the rear seal 26 closes, blocks, or reduces the gap formed by the front hinge 58 between the deck 14 and the lip 16.

[0078] During loading and / or unloading operations, when the floor space of the vehicle cargo box 18 is insufficient to receive the lip 16 (e.g., when there is no available floor space to rest the lip 16 on the vehicle cargo box 18), a method can be adopted. Figure 9 and 10 The end-loading operation is illustrated. This occurs, for example, when the loaded cargo is near or close to the rear edge 66 of vehicle 20 (e.g., the rearmost end). In these cases, the lip 16 cannot be positioned on the vehicle cargo box 18, but is instead positioned in a retracted position based on the height of the vehicle cargo box 18 relative to platform 22 (e.g., Figure 9 The fully retracted position or Figure 10 (Partial retracted position). If the height of the vehicle cargo box 18 is equal to or higher than the platform 22, the deck 14 can be positioned at the cross-sectional position ( Figure 9 The lip 16 rests against the lip retainer 48. If the vehicle cargo box 18 is at a lower height than the platform 22, the deck 14 is lowered or tilted to the fully lowered position. Figure 10 Furthermore, the lip 16 is in a partially extended position in front of the lip retainer 48.

[0079] After loading and / or unloading operations are completed, the platform boarding bridge 10 is positioned. Figure 4 The storage position (e.g., the fully raised position). When deck 14 is in the... Figure 9 Crossing traffic locations or Figure 10When the lip 16 is raised from its position below the platform, it moves upward (e.g., in the upward direction 34) and moves away from (e.g., out) between the front seal 24 and the rear seal 26. As the lip 16 rises (e.g., in the upward direction 34), it causes the front seal 24 to move relative to the rear seal 26 (e.g., in the forward direction 30 and / or the upward direction 34). To prevent damage to the front seal 24, the shaft 80 is configured to allow rotation of the front seal 24 about the longitudinal axis 88 as the lip 16 moves from between the front seal 24 and the rear seal 26. Furthermore, the mounting system 90a allows displacement (e.g., vertical and / or horizontal displacement) of the front seal 24 relative to the rear seal 26 and / or the platform surface 40 when the lip 16 and the deck 14 are moved to the retracted position. Therefore, the mounting system 90a enables the front seal 24 to move in the forward direction 30, the rearward direction 32, the upward direction 34, the downward direction 36, the lateral direction 38 and / or combinations thereof.

[0080] Figure 11-36 Other exemplary loading platforms 1100, 1400, 1700, and 3100 implemented using other exemplary sealing devices 1102, 1402, 1702, and 3002 disclosed herein are shown. Figure 11-36 Those components of loading platforms 1100, 1400, 1700, 3000 and / or sealing devices 1102, 1402, 1702, 3002 that are substantially similar or identical to, and whose functions are substantially similar or identical to, those of the aforementioned loading platform 12 and / or sealing device 21 will not be described in detail again below. Instead, interested readers may refer to the corresponding descriptions above. For convenience, similar reference numerals will be used for similar structures.

[0081] Figure 11 This is a front view of another exemplary loading platform 1100 implemented using another exemplary sealing device 1102 disclosed herein. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A top view of an exemplary loading platform 1100. Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the installation system 90b of the sealing device 1102.

[0082] The illustrated loading platform 1100 includes a platform surface 40 (e.g., a building wall) facing forward 30 and a driveway 37. In some examples, the illustrated platform surface 40 includes a buffer 44 to absorb impacts between the vehicle 20 and the platform surface 40. For transferring goods between the platform 22 (e.g., the interior of a building) and the vehicle cargo compartment 18, the illustrated loading platform 12 includes a platform loading ramp 10b. The illustrated platform loading ramp 10b is a pit-type loading ramp. In a pit-type loading ramp configuration, a pit 29 is formed (e.g., recessed) in the platform 22 and recessed relative to the platform 22 to receive the platform loading ramp. Figure 2-10 Unlike platform loading ramps 10b (e.g., vertical loading ramps), the pit 29 of a pit-type loading ramp configuration is discontinuous relative to adjacent loading platforms. In other words, platform 22 is positioned on either side of pit 29 and does not extend into or connect to the pit of adjacent loading platforms. In some cases, platform loading ramps 10b (e.g., pit-type loading ramps) are horizontally recessed loading ramps. For example, when the deck 14 of a pit-type loading ramp is in the recessed position, the deck 14 of the pit-type loading ramp is recessed in a substantially horizontal position (e.g., xz plane). Furthermore, the height 1104 between lane 37 and platform 22 is greater than the height 1106 between lane 37 and the rear edge 66 of vehicle 20.

[0083] Due to the height difference between platform 22 and vehicle cargo box 18, loading platform 1100 includes sealing device 1102 to provide a seal between vehicle 20 and loading platform 1100. Figure 11 The sealing device 1102 and Figure 2-10 The sealing device 21 is basically similar. For example, the sealing device 1102 includes a front seal 24 and a rear seal 26.

[0084] The sealing device 1102 has a connection with Figure 2-10 The mounting system 90a is different from the mounting system 90b of the sealing device 21. The illustrated mounting system 90b includes a buffer device 44, which is mounted at a higher height and configured to receive the rear edge 66 of the vehicle 20. The buffer device 44 is spaced apart from or separate from the lip retainer 50 and is positioned at a higher height than the lip retainer 50. The illustrated mounting system 90b includes a bracket 106 with a feed roller 108 that guides a cable 94 (e.g., downward) through an opening 110 to suspend a counterweight 92 within a tube 112 (e.g., a vertical or substantially vertical tube). The mounting systems 90a and 90b are otherwise identical in structure and function.

[0085] Figure 14This is a front view of a loading platform 1400, which includes a pit-type loading ramp 10c and another exemplary sealing device 1402 disclosed herein. Figure 15 This is a top view of loading platform 1400. Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the mounting system 90c of the exemplary sealing device 1402.

[0086] Sealing device 1402 and Figure 2-10 sealing device 21 and Figure 11-13 The sealing device 1102 is similar. For example, sealing device 1402 includes a front seal 24 and a rear seal 26. However, sealing device 1402 includes an installation system 90c. (See reference...) Figure 16 The mounting system 90c includes a cushioning device 44 spaced apart from the lip retainer 50. Figure 11-13 Unlike mounting system 90b, the illustrated mounting system 90c includes a counterweight 92, a tube 112, a bracket 106, and a feed roller 108. Mounting system 90c includes a biasing element 114 (e.g., an extension spring, a slender spring, etc.) coupled to (e.g., mounted on) the shaft 80 of the front seal 24. A cable 94 extends through a central hole in a connector 102 (e.g., a sleeve) to connect the biasing element 114 to a substantially fixed anchor point 116. The biasing element 114 provides tension to the cable 94 to force the front seal 24 to... Figure 14-16 The location shown.

[0087] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of a portion of a loading platform 1700 implemented using a sealing device 1702, another example disclosed herein. The illustrated sealing device 1702 includes a front seal 1724 and a rear seal 1726. The front seal 1724 and rear seal 1726 are mounted between a buffer device 44 (e.g., a raised buffer device) of the loading platform 1700. The buffer device 44 is positioned on either side of the platform passageway adjacent to the pit 28. To facilitate operation of the rear seal 1726, the illustrated rear seal 1726 includes a handle 1708.

[0088] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 The enlarged portion of the loading platform 1700. In order to connect the front seal 1724 to the platform surface via the buffer device 44, the sealing device 1702 illustrated includes a front seal mounting fastener 1802.

[0089] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 Enlarged perspective view of the front seal mounting retainer 1802. (Reference) Figure 18 and Figure 19The front seal mounting fastener 1802 (e.g., a bracket) is coupled (e.g., attached or welded) to either side of the platform surface or other equipment, such as a buffer device 44 located on either side of the pit 28 near the loading platform 1700 at the platform surface. The respective ends of the cables 94 (e.g., flexible elongated members or ropes) of the front seal 1724 are coupled or attached to the corresponding front seal mounting fastener 1802. Thus, the front seal mounting fastener 1802 provides an anchor for attaching the front seal 1724 to the loading platform 1700. The respective ends of the cables 94 may be braided (i.e., meandered) through one or more openings 1902 formed in the front seal mounting fastener 1802 to secure or couple the front seal 1724 to the platform surface. In some examples, the front seal mounting retainer 1802 (e.g., a bracket) can be mounted in a first direction (e.g., oriented vertically to the longitudinal axis of the body), a second direction (e.g., oriented horizontally to the longitudinal axis of the body), and / or any other orientation.

[0090] Figure 20 yes Figure 17-19A perspective view of an exemplary rear seal 1726. The illustrated example rear seal 1726 includes a compressible core 128, a cover 130, and a rear seal mounting bracket 132. The illustrated example compressible core 128 is a bulb seal. For example, the illustrated example compressible core 128 defines a cavity 134 (e.g., a collapsible cavity) extending (e.g., fully) between the respective ends of the rear seal 1726. The illustrated example compressible core 128 is formed of a flexible material or fabric (e.g., vinyl, flexible plastic, etc.). For example, the compressible core 128 may be formed of foam, rubber, compressible material, elastic material, and / or any other suitable material(s). Furthermore, the illustrated example compressible core 128 is formed from a single sheet of material. To form the compressible core 128, a first end 128a of the compressible core 128 is folded over the second end 128b of the compressible core 128 defined by the flexible material. In other words, the first end 128a of the illustrated example is positioned adjacent to the second end 128b. The first end 128a is attached or coupled to the second end 128b. For example, the first end 128a is coupled to the second end 128b by one or more fasteners 170. The fastener 170 in the illustrated example is sewing thread. Thus, the first end 128a of the illustrated example is sewn to the second end 128b by one or more fasteners 170 (e.g., sewing thread) to form a compressible core 128. However, in other examples, one or more fasteners 170 may include adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, and / or any other fasteners. The compressible core 128 forms a resilient, deformable seal. For example, the compressible core 128 deforms when the vehicle 20 and / or platform boarding bridge 10 engages the sealing device 1702. For example, the cavity 134 of the compressible core 128 in the illustrated example is an air cavity and may collapse during loading and / or unloading operations. The compressible core 128 has elastic properties and returns to its undeformed position or shape when the vehicle 20 and / or platform boarding bridge 10 disengages from the engagement rear seal 1726 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 24 (As shown).

[0091] The cover 130 is made of a resilient material and includes a first end 130a and a second end 130b opposite to the first end 130a. The first end 130a of the cover 130 extends outward in a direction away from the platform surface 40 (e.g., it is cantilevered). For example, the longitudinal axis 172 of the first end 130a extends from the compressible core 128 at an angle 135 relative to an orthogonal 137. In some examples, the angle 135 may be between approximately 5 degrees and 15 degrees. Furthermore, the first end 130a of the cover 130 extends from the compressible core 128 by a distance 139. The distance 139 in the illustrated example may be between approximately 6 inches and 2 feet.

[0092] To mount the sealing device 1702 to the loading platform, the sealing device 1702 includes a rear seal mounting bracket 132. The rear seal mounting bracket 132 has a first leg 132a and a second leg 132b (e.g., an L-shaped bracket). The first leg 132a mounts the rear seal 1726 to the platform surface 40 via the first leg 132a of the rear seal mounting bracket 132. The first leg 132a supports fasteners 74 to mount the compressible core 128 to the loading platform 1700. The second leg 132b connects a second end 130b of the cover 130 to the loading platform 1700. The first end 130a extends cantileveredly from the compressible core 128.

[0093] Figure 21A and Figure 21B This is a perspective view of the rear seal 1726 in a partially assembled state. (Reference) Figure 21A and Figure 21B The cover 130 is separated from the rear seal mounting bracket 132. To attach the cover 130 to the compressible core 128 and the rear seal mounting bracket 132, a second end 130b of the cover 130 is coupled to a second leg 132b of the rear seal mounting bracket 132. In the illustrated example, the second end 130b of the cover 130 is coupled to the rear seal mounting bracket 132 via a fastener 2102 (e.g., a removable or releaseable fastener, a tool-free fastener). The fastener 2102 in the illustrated example is a hook-and-loop fastener. Therefore, the second end 130b of the cover 130 includes a first portion 2104 (e.g., a hook portion) of the fastener 2102, and the second leg 132b of the rear seal mounting bracket 132 includes a second portion 2106 (e.g., a ring portion) of the fastener 2102. In some examples, the fastener 2102 may be an adhesive, a clamp, and / or any other suitable fastener(s). In addition, to increase the rigidity of the cover 130, at least a portion 2108 of the cover 130 can be folded onto itself to define the first end 130a.

[0094] Figure 22 yes Figure 17Another assembly view of the exemplary rear seal 1726. A compressible core 128 is coupled to a rear seal mounting bracket 132. Specifically, a second end 128b of the compressible core 128 is coupled to the rear seal mounting bracket 132 via a fastener 2202. For example, the second end 128b of the compressible core 128 includes a first portion 2204 (e.g., a hook portion) of the fastener 2202, and the outer surface 2206 of the rear seal mounting bracket 132 includes a second portion 2208 (e.g., a ring portion) of the fastener 2202. For example, the fastener 2202 is a hook-and-loop fastener. However, in some examples, the cover 130 may be coupled to the rear seal mounting bracket 132 via adhesive, screws, snaps, and / or any other suitable fastener(s) (one or more). In some examples, the core 128 and the cover 130 are formed from a single piece of material or structure (e.g., fabric). For example, the core 128 and the fabric 130 may be formed from a continuous sheet such that the core 128 and the cover 130 are connected or coupled (e.g., the cover 128 and the sheet 130 include a first end that defines a first end 130a of the cover 130 and a first end 128a of the core 128). In some examples, the material defines at least a portion of the core 128 and the cover 130 to be wound around at least a portion of the mounting bracket 132 (e.g., a first leg 132a and / or a second leg 132b).

[0095] Figure 23-25 The front seal 1724 is shown. Figure 23 yes Figure 17 Exploded view of the front seal 1724. Figure 24 yes Figure 27 Cross-sectional view of the front seal 1724. Figure 25 This is an assembled side view of the front seal 1724. The illustrated example front seal 1724 includes an outer cover 124, a compressible core 122 (e.g., a foam core, foam tube), a shaft 80, a cable 94 (e.g., a rope, cord, thread, etc.), a biasing element 114 (e.g., a spring), and a retainer 101 (e.g., an end cap). The illustrated example outer cover 124 includes a plurality of openings 103 to form a plurality of flexible flaps 126 (e.g., radial fins) when the outer cover 124 is in the assembled state. The flexible flaps 126 are deformable and / or flexible. The compressible core 122 is positioned within a cavity 105 formed by the outer cover 124, and the shaft 80 (e.g., a plastic tube) is positioned within the compressible core 122. In other words, the shaft 80 (e.g., a plastic tube, metal tube, etc.) is covered by the compressible core 122. In other examples, the shaft 80 may be covered by one or more other elastically deformable materials. The front seal 1724 is designed to withstand bending and compression and return to its original shape. In some examples, flexible flaps 126 (e.g., fabric / material, foam, rubber, etc.) extend outward from the outer surface of the outer cover 124.

[0096] Cable 94 is coupled to shaft 80. For example, cable 94 includes a first portion 94a and a second portion 94b. The respective inner ends 94c of the first portion 94a and the second portion 94b are coupled to biasing element 114, and the respective outer ends 94d of the first portion 94a and the second portion 94b are coupled to front seal mounting retainer 1802. Retainer 101 retains biasing element 114 coupled to shaft 80. Each of retainers 101 (e.g., the outer surface of retainer 101) includes a fastener 2502 (e.g., a releasable fastener, a hook-and-loop fastener) for releasable coupling to outer cover 124. The respective outer ends 94d of the first portion 94a and the second portion 94b are coupled to the respective front seal mounting retainer 1802 to retain or couple front seal 1724 to loading platform 1700. During operation, the biasing element 114 enables the front seal 1724 to move relative to the rear seal 1726 and / or the platform surface 40 (e.g., in an upward direction 34, a downward direction 36, a backward direction 32, a forward direction 30, a lateral direction 38, and / or any combination thereof and / or any other direction). In other words, the front seal 1724 can be moved relative to the buffer device 44 and / or the rear seal 1726 via the biasing element 114.

[0097] Figure 26 yes Figure 17 A side view of an exemplary loading platform 1700. A sealing device 1702 seals a first gap 2602 (e.g., in the xz plane) between the rear edge 66 of the vehicle 20 and the platform surface 40, and a second gap 2604 (e.g., in the xy plane) between the cover 130 and the rear edge 66 of the vehicle 20. To seal the first gap 2602, the cover 130 of the rear seal 1726 extends or protrudes from the platform surface 40 toward the vehicle 20 at an upward angle provided by the compressible core 128 to engage or seal the lower surface of the rear edge 66 of the vehicle 20.

[0098] Figure 27-29 This is a side view of loading platform 1700, showing the platform boarding bridge 10 at different operating positions.

[0099] Figure 27 The platform loading ramp 10 is shown in the standard loading position. In the standard loading position, the deck 14 is in the lowered position and the lip 16 is in the extended position (e.g., partially or fully extended). The operation and function of the sealing device 1702 are consistent with... Figure 2-16 The operation and / or function of the sealing device 23 are the same. Figure 27In the example, the cover 130 of the front seal 1724 and / or the rear seal 1726 may engage with the underside of the rear edge 66 of the vehicle 20 to provide a seal. For example, the front seal 1724 seals a first gap 2602, and the cover 130 seals a second gap 2604 that may exist when the front seal 1724 is not engaged with the underside of the rear edge 66 of the vehicle 20.

[0100] Figure 28 The platform boarding bridge 10 is shown in a position that crosses traffic. Figure 29 This shows the platform boarding bridge 10 positioned below the platform. Figure 2-16 Similar to the sealing device 21, the lip 16 of the platform loading ramp 10 can be positioned between the front seal 1724 and the rear seal 1726 during end-loading or lower-platform loading and / or unloading operations. In other words, when the platform loading ramp 10 is positioned for end-loading or lower-platform end-loading and / or unloading operations, the front seal 1724 can be positioned outside the lip 16, while the rear seal 1726 can be positioned inside the lip 16. Figure 28 and Figure 29 In the example, when the lip 16 is positioned between the front seal 1724 and the rear seal 1726, the lip 16 causes the cover 130 to deflect between the compressible core 128 and the front seal 1724. The front seal 1724 provides a seal between the rear edge 66 of the vehicle 20 and the platform surface 40, and the rear seal 1726 provides a seal against the front hinge 58 of the platform boarding bridge 10. The front seal 1724 seals a first gap 2602 and a second gap 2604, and the rear seal 1726 seals a third gap formed at the front hinge 58. In some examples, the front seal 1724 and / or the rear seal 1726 at least engage a portion of the surface oriented toward the platform surface 40 adjacent to the rear edge 66 or a portion of the surface oriented toward the lane 37 adjacent to the rear edge 66.

[0101] Figure 30 This is a partial perspective view of another exemplary loading platform 3000 having the sealing device 3002 disclosed herein. The sealing device 3002 illustrated includes a front seal 1724 and a rear seal 3026. The front seal 1724 and... Figure 17 The front seal 1724 is identical. The front seal 1724 is connected to the loading platform 3000 via a front seal mounting fastener 1802 and a cable 94. The front seal mounting fastener 1802 is attached to a bracket 3001 (e.g., a plate) of the loading platform 3000.

[0102] Figure 31 and Figure 32 yes Figure 30 Partial assembly view of the rear seal 3026. The illustrated example of the rear seal 3026 with... Figure 17-29 The rear seal 1726 is substantially similar. For example, rear seal 3026 includes a compressible core 128, a cover 130, and a rear seal mounting bracket 132. However, the illustrated rear seal 3026 includes a reinforcing seal 136 positioned within a cavity 134 of the compressible core 128. The reinforcing seal 136 may be a flexible panel, a rigid panel, and / or any other panel to support the compressible core 128. For example, after the lip 16 of the vehicle 20 and / or platform boarding bridge 10 compresses the compressible core 128, the reinforcing seal 136 helps to restore the shape of the compressible core 128 to its uncompressed state. For example, during loading and / or unloading operations, the compressible core 128 is capable of collapsing (e.g., reducing the volume of cavity 134) in response to engagement with the vehicle 20 and / or platform boarding bridge 10. The reinforcing seal helps restore the volume of the cavity 134 of the compressible core 128 to its initial, uncompressed position after the vehicle 20 and / or lip 16 disengage from the compressible core 128. The reinforcing seal 136 includes a first end 136a and a second end 136b opposite to the first end 136a. The first end 136a extends into the cavity 134 and is configured to engage the apex 3102 of the compressible core 128. The second end 136b is positioned between the first end 128a and the second end 128b of the compressible core 128. In other words, the second end 136b of the reinforcing seal 136 is sandwiched between the first end 128a and the second end 128b of the compressible core 128. A fastener 170 (e.g., sewing thread) attaches the reinforcing seal 136 to the compressible core 128.

[0103] Figure 32 and Figure 33 yes Figures 30-31 A partial assembly perspective view of the rear seal 3026. For engaging the compressible core 128 with the rear seal mounting bracket 132, the rear seal 3026 includes a first fastener 3202. The first fastener includes a first portion 3204 of the rear surface 128c of the first end 128a of the compressible core 128 and a second portion 3402 of the front surface 132c of the first leg 132a of the rear seal mounting bracket 132. For engaging the cover 130 with the rear seal mounting bracket 132, the rear seal 3026 includes a second fastener 3206. The second fastener 3206 includes a first portion 3208 of the bottom surface 132d of the second leg 132b of the rear seal mounting bracket 132 and a second portion 3302 of the inner surface 130c of the second end 130b of the cover 130. In the illustrated example, the first fastener 3202 and the second fastener 3206 are hook-and-loop fasteners. However, in some examples, the first fastener 3202 and / or the second fastener 3206 may be adhesive and / or any other (one or more) fasteners.

[0104] Figure 34 yes Figures 30-33 A cross-sectional perspective view of the rear seal 3026. Figure 35 yes Figures 30-34 An assembly perspective view of the rear seal 3026.

[0105] Figure 36 An exemplary rear seal 3600 disclosed herein is shown. The rear seal 3600 includes a handle 3602 for facilitating positioning and / or manipulation of the rear seal during installation and / or maintenance.

[0106] Figure 37 yes Figure 36 An exploded view of an exemplary rear seal 3600. The rear seal 3600 includes a cover 3702 (e.g., fabric), a compressible wedge 3704, and a mounting bracket 3706. The cover 3702 is a flexible material containing the compressible wedge 3704. The compressible wedge 3704 is an elongated compressible foam wedge. However, the compressible wedge 3704 can also be any other compressible material(s). The compressible wedge 3704 is coupled to the mounting bracket 3706. For example, the mounting bracket 3706 is an L-shaped bracket having a first leg 3706a and a second leg 3706b. The compressible wedge 3704 is coupled to or engages a first surface 3706c of the second leg 3706b of the mounting bracket 3706. The first leg 3706a of the mounting bracket 3706 includes a disc magnet 76 to releasably secure the rear seal 3600 to the loading platform.

[0107] To protect the compressible wedge 3704 from damage or wear, a cover 3702 covers or encloses at least a portion of the compressible wedge 3704 and / or the mounting bracket 3706. To cover the compressible wedge 3704, the cover 3702 forms a cavity to receive the compressible wedge 3704. The cover 3702 is also attached to the mounting bracket 3706. For example, the cover 3702 includes one or more flaps 3710 that are coupled to the mounting bracket 3706. For example, the flaps 3710 are coupled to a second surface 3706d of the second leg 3706b of the mounting bracket 3706, opposite to the first surface 3706c. The flaps 3710 and the second surface 3706d include fasteners 3712 to engage the cover 3702 to the mounting bracket 3706. The fastener 3712 in the illustrated example is a hook-and-loop fastener. However, in some examples, the fastener 3712 may also be an adhesive, tape, and / or any other type of fastener(s).

[0108] refer to Figure 38 and Figure 39The cover 3702 may include an end cap 3802 that is attached (e.g., glued or sewn) to the cover 3702. For example, the end cap 3802 may be sewn to the cover 3702 by one or more sewing threads 3804, adhesives and / or (one or more) any other fasteners. This configuration facilitates the assembly of the cover 3702 and the compressible wedge 3704.

[0109] Figure 40A and Figure 40B Other exemplary front seals 14b and 14c disclosed herein are shown. Front seal 14b includes a shaft 80, an outer tube 82, and a plurality of flexible flaps 118 extending radially outward relative to a longitudinal axis 88 of front seal 14b. In some examples, the flexible flaps 118 are folded rings of flexible vinyl material. The flexible flaps 118 have sufficient flexibility and elasticity to conform sealingly to the rear edge 66 of vehicle 20, the lip surface 120 of lip 16, and / or the forward-facing surface of a rear seal (e.g., rear seals 26, 1726, 3026, 3600). Front seal 14c includes a shaft 80, an outer tube 82, a compressible core 122 (e.g., an elastically compressible foam tube), an outer cover 124 (e.g., a flexible outer cover, fabric, vinyl sheet, etc.), and a plurality of flexible flaps 126 extending radially outward relative to a longitudinal axis 88. In some examples, the flexible flaps 126 are folded rings of flexible vinyl material. The flexible flap 126 has sufficient flexibility and elasticity to conform sealingly to the forward-facing surfaces of the rear edge 66 of the vehicle 20, the lip surface 120 of the lip 16, and / or the rear seals (e.g., rear seals 26, 1726, 3026, 3600).

[0110] Figures 41a-41e illustrate various exemplary rear seals 26a-26e that can implement the loading platform and / or rear seals disclosed herein. Rear seal 26a includes a resilient, compressible foam core 70a enclosed within a flexible protective cover 72a. Fasteners 74 attach the rear seal 26a to the platform surface 40 or some other fixed surface of the platform loading ramp (e.g., platform loading ramp 10).

[0111] Rear seals 26b-e are structurally similar to rear seal 26a, but have various unique shapes that provide different sealing properties. For example, rear seal 26a has a sharper front edge 4102 to engage the rear surface 133 of lip 16. Rear seal 26b has a larger or higher profile. Rear seal 26c eliminates some concave areas to avoid a hollow area between foam core 70c and cap 72c. Rear seal 26d is similar to rear seal 26c, but has a sharper front edge 4104. Rear seal 26e has a generally sharp front edge 4106 for sealing and a blunter rear edge 4108 for structural support. In some examples, each of caps 72a-e may include an end cap (e.g., end cap 3802) attached (e.g., sewn) to the edge of the contact surface of the respective cap 72a-e. In some examples, each of the rear seals 26a-26e may have a handle (e.g., handle 3602) for easy installation and / or manipulation, and may be positioned in a pit depth of 10 inches, 12 inches, 15 inches, etc.

[0112] Figure 42A -D illustrates various exemplary rear seals 42a-43d that can implement the loading platform and / or rear seal disclosed herein. Rear seal 42a includes a compressible core 128 and a rear seal mounting bracket 132. Rear seal 42b includes a compressible core 128, a reinforcing seal 136, and a rear seal mounting bracket 132. Rear seal 42c includes a compressible core 128, a cover 130, and a rear seal mounting bracket 132. Rear seal 42d includes a compressible core 128, a cover 130, a rear seal mounting bracket 132, and a reinforcing seal 136.

[0113] Although each of the exemplary sealing devices 21, 1102, 1402, 1702, 3002, rear seal 3600, front seal 40a-b, rear seal 41a-e, and rear seal 42a-d disclosed above has some features (e.g., sensors), it should be understood that a particular feature of one example of sealing device 21, 1102, 1402, 1702, 3002, rear seal 3600, front seal 40a-b, rear seal 41a-e, and rear seal 42a-d is not necessarily specific to that example. Conversely, any feature of the exemplary sealing devices 21, 1102, 1402, 1702, 3002, rear seal 3600, front seals 40a-b, rear seals 41a-e, and rear seals 42a-d described above and / or depicted in the figures may be combined with or implemented with any of the exemplary sealing devices 21, 1102, 1402, 1702, 3002, rear seal 3600, front seals 40a-b, rear seals 41a-e, and rear seals 42a-d, supplementing any other feature of those examples or any other feature of those examples. A feature of one example is not mutually exclusive with a feature of another example. Rather, the scope of this disclosure includes any combination of any features. In some examples, the restraint system disclosed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure may have a combination of features of the exemplary sealing devices 21, 1102, 1402, 1702, 3002, rear seal 3600, front seal 40a-b, rear seal 41a-e, and rear seal 42a-d of this disclosure.

[0114] As can be understood from the foregoing, exemplary methods, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture have been disclosed, providing one or more advantages, including an improved seal between the front edge of the platform loading ramp pit and the rear edge of the vehicle, regardless of the position of the platform loading ramp lip. Exemplary methods, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture also provide a vehicle-impactable front seal, a sealing system without openings to the pit area of ​​the platform loading ramp, and a sealing system usable on vertically retractable decks, pit-type platform loading ramps, and / or any other loading platform. In some examples, the sealing devices disclosed herein seal the gap between the outer surface of the lip and the rear edge of the vehicle during loading and / or unloading operations (e.g., during end loading or loading / unloading operations below the platform end). In some examples, the sealing devices disclosed herein seal the hinge gap between the lip and the deck of the platform loading ramp during loading or unloading operations or when the deck and lip are positioned in a retracted position (e.g., a pit-type loading ramp in a retracted position where the deck tends to be substantially horizontal relative to the pit, and the lip is substantially vertical relative to the deck).

[0115] At least some of the foregoing examples include one or more features, characteristics, and / or benefits, including but not limited to the following:

[0116] In some examples, a loading platform includes a platform ramp movable between a standard loading position, a traffic-crossing position, and a position below the platform. The platform ramp has a deck and a lip movably coupled to the deck; a sealing assembly is coupled to the loading platform adjacent to the front edge of the platform ramp. The sealing assembly sealably engages the front and rear surfaces of the lip of the platform ramp when the platform ramp is positioned in the traffic-crossing position or the loading position below the platform.

[0117] In some examples, the sealing assembly has a front seal and a rear seal, the front seal being movably coupled relative to the rear seal to allow the lip of the platform boarding bridge to be positioned between the front seal and the rear seal when the platform boarding bridge is in at least one of the cross-traffic position or the position below the platform.

[0118] In some examples, the front seal includes a cover and a shaft that allows the front seal to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

[0119] In some examples, the front seal includes a compressible core having an aperture for receiving the shaft.

[0120] In some examples, the platform loading ramp also includes a cable tie connecting the front seal to the loading platform.

[0121] In some examples, the platform boarding bridge also includes a retainer attached to the end of the shaft, the retainer having an aperture for receiving the cable strap, a first end of the cable strap being attached to the retainer, and the retainer holding the first end of the cable strap within the shaft of the front seal.

[0122] In some examples, the platform loading ramp also includes anchors installed to the loading platform, the anchors having one or more orifices to receive a second end of the cable, thereby connecting the front seal to the loading platform.

[0123] In some examples, the rear seal includes a cover, a compressible core, and a rear seal mounting bracket for attaching the rear seal to the loading platform.

[0124] In some examples, the rear seal mounting bracket includes magnetic fasteners to attach the rear seal to the mounting surface of the loading platform.

[0125] In some examples, the core comprises a compressible foam body, and the cover encloses the compressible foam body and at least a portion of the rear seal mounting bracket.

[0126] In some examples, the compressible core includes a bubble seal, and the cover has a first portion that extends from the bubble seal along a direction away from the platform surface of the loading platform.

[0127] In some examples, the bubble seal includes a reinforcing seal positioned within the cavity of the bubble seal.

[0128] In some examples, a loading platform includes a deck movable between an raised position, a cross-traffic position, and a lowered position. A lip is pivotally coupled to the deck and movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The lip defines a lip face and a back face. A front seal is coupled to the loading platform. The front seal is configured to be positioned between the lip face of the lip and the rear edge of the vehicle to sealably engage the lip face when the lip is in the retracted position and the deck is in at least one of the cross-traffic position or the lowered position.

[0129] In some examples, the front seal includes a shaft that enables the front seal to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

[0130] In some examples, the front seal includes a plurality of flexible flaps extending radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0131] In some examples, the front seal includes a shaft and an outer tube that is rotatable about the shaft.

[0132] In some examples, the front seal includes a compressible foam component encased in a flexible cover.

[0133] In some examples, the installation system is forced to bring the front seal toward the platform surface of the loading station in a rearward direction.

[0134] In some examples, a sealing device for use at a loading platform includes a front seal movably coupled to the platform surface of the loading platform. The front seal is movable relative to the platform surface in at least one of a first direction away from the platform surface or a second direction approaching the platform surface. A rear seal is coupled adjacent to the front seal. The front and rear seals receive a lip of the platform loading bridge therebetween, such that the rear seal engages the back side of the lip and the front seal engages the front side of the lip.

[0135] In some examples, the installation system movably connects the front seal to the platform surface, and the installation system has cable straps to attach to the anchors of the loading platform.

[0136] In some examples, the anchor includes at least one of a front seal mounting bracket or a counterweight.

[0137] In some examples, the mounting system includes a biasing element to force the front seal toward the rear seal.

[0138] Although certain exemplary methods, apparatuses, and articles have been described herein, the scope of this patent is not limited thereto. Rather, this patent covers all methods, apparatuses, and articles that fall entirely within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A sealing device for use at a loading platform, comprising: A compressible core with a defined cavity; A cover sleeve, which engages a portion of the outer surface of the compressible core, is configured to extend in a first direction away from the compressible core when the platform loading bridge associated with the pit of the loading platform is in a vertically retracted position and the vehicle is parked at the loading platform, to seal a first gap between the pit floor of the loading platform and the vehicle, and to extend in a second direction away from the platform surface of the loading platform to seal a second gap between the platform surface and the vehicle. as well as Mounting bracket, to which the compressible core and the cover are connected, and which is configured to connect the sealing device to the loading platform.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compressible core is made of a flexible material.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compressible core is made of fabric.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compressible core is formed from at least one of foam and rubber.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compressible core is formed of at least one of a compressible material and an elastic material.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compressible core is formed from a single piece of material.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compressible core includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end being positioned adjacent to the second end to define the cavity.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first end of the compressible core is connected to the second end of the compressible core by fasteners.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fastener includes sewing thread.

10. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The device also includes a reinforcing seal positioned within the cavity of the compressible core.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The reinforcing seal has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the second end of the reinforcing seal being positioned between the first end of the compressible core and the second end of the compressible core.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first end of the reinforcing seal engages with the apex of the compressible core.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end of the cover extending outward relative to the compressible core.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first end extends cantilevered from the compressible core.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting bracket includes a first leg and a second leg, wherein the first leg is not parallel to the second leg.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that, The compressible core is connected to the first leg of the mounting bracket, and the cover is connected to the second leg of the mounting bracket.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover extends upward in a third direction, different from the first and second directions, to seal a third gap between the sidewalls of the opening in the doorway defining the loading platform.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first gap is the vertical gap between the pit floor and the lower edge of the vehicle, the second gap is the first horizontal gap between the platform surface and the lower edge of the vehicle, and the third gap is the second horizontal gap between the sidewalls.

19. A sealing device for use at a loading platform, comprising: A compressible core formed from a single sheet having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end being folded over the second end to form a compressible bubble, the first end being connected to the second end by a first fastener; A cover covering the compressible core, the cover having a third end extending outward relative to the compressible core and a fourth end opposite to the third end, the cover being configured to extend away from the compressible core in a first direction to seal a first gap between the pit floor of the pit of the loading platform and the vehicle when the platform loading bridge associated with the pit of the loading platform is in a vertically retracted position and the vehicle is parked at the loading platform, and to extend away from the platform surface of the loading platform in a second direction to seal a second gap between the platform surface and the vehicle; as well as Mounting bracket, having a first leg and a second leg, and configured to connect the sealing device to the loading platform; A first fastener connects the compressible core and the first leg of the mounting bracket; as well as The second fastener connects the cover and the second leg of the mounting bracket.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that, The device further includes a reinforcing seal positioned in the cavity of the compressible core, the reinforcing seal having a fifth end and a sixth end opposite to the fifth end, the fifth end being positioned between the first end and the second end of the compressible core.

21. The apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that, The first fastener includes a first fastener portion connected to the compressible core and a second fastener portion connected to the first leg of the mounting bracket, and the second fastener includes a third fastener portion connected to the cover and a fourth fastener portion connected to the second leg of the mounting bracket.

22. A sealing device for use at a loading platform, comprising: A first material sheet, wherein a first end of the first material sheet is folded relative to a second end to provide a collapsible bubble seal, the first end being coupled to the second end to define a base; A second material sheet, defined in part between a first end and a second end, at least a portion of which covers a portion of the collapsible bubble seal defined by the first material sheet, is configured to extend in a first direction away from the collapsible bubble seal when the platform loading ramp associated with the pit of the loading platform is in a vertically retracted position and the vehicle is parked at the loading platform, to seal a first gap between the pit floor of the pit of the loading platform and the vehicle, and to extend in a second direction away from the platform surface of the loading platform to seal a second gap between the platform surface and the vehicle; as well as Mounting bracket, having a first leg and a second leg, and configured to connect the sealing device to the loading platform, wherein the base is attached to the first leg and the second end of the second material sheet is attached to the second leg.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that, The device further includes a third material sheet positioned within the cavity of the collapsible bubble seal to provide a reinforced seal, and at least a portion of the second material sheet is trapped between the first end of the first material sheet and the second end of the second material sheet.

24. The apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that, The device also includes magnetic fasteners connected to the mounting bracket, the magnetic fasteners being used to connect the sealing device to the mounting surface of the loading platform.

25. A sealing device for use at a loading platform, comprising: Compressible core; A cover sleeve made of an elastic material, the cover sleeve extending cantileveredly from the compressible core, the cover sleeve including a third end and a fourth end opposite to the third end, the third end of the cover sleeve extending outward in a direction away from the compressible core; as well as The mounting bracket is used to install the sealing device onto the platform surface. The mounting bracket includes a first leg for installing the compressible core onto the platform surface and a second leg for installing the cover onto the platform surface.

26. The sealing device according to claim 25, characterized in that, The compressible core is formed from a single sheet of material.

27. The sealing device according to claim 25, characterized in that, The third end of the cover extends six inches to two feet from the compressible core.

28. The sealing device according to claim 25, characterized in that, The longitudinal axis of the third end of the cover extends from the compressible core at an angle relative to the orthogonal.

29. The sealing device according to claim 28, characterized in that, The angle is between 5 degrees and 15 degrees.

30. The sealing device according to claim 28, characterized in that, The compressible core, the cover, and the mounting bracket define a rear sealing assembly.

31. The sealing device according to claim 30, characterized in that, The sealing device further includes a front seal for being movably coupled to the loading platform relative to the rear sealing assembly.

32. The sealing device according to claim 31, characterized in that, The device also includes a cable for suspending the front seal at the loading platform.

33. The sealing device according to claim 32, characterized in that, The front seal is used to move relative to the rear seal assembly via the cable in at least one of a first direction away from the platform surface or a second direction approaching the platform surface when the sealing device is installed at the loading platform.

34. The sealing device according to claim 32, characterized in that, The sealing device further includes a first front seal mounting fastener disposed adjacent to a first side or a first end of the front seal, and a second front seal mounting fastener disposed adjacent to a second side or a second end of the front seal, wherein a first end of the cable is woven through one or more orifices of the first front seal mounting fastener, and a second end of the cable opposite to the first end of the cable is woven through one or more orifices of the second front seal mounting fastener.

35. The sealing device according to claim 32, characterized in that, The sealing device seals a first gap between the rear edge of the vehicle and the platform surface and a second gap between the cover and the rear edge of the vehicle.

36. The sealing device according to claim 25, characterized in that, The sealing device also includes a reinforcing seal positioned within the cavity of the compressible core.

37. The sealing device according to claim 36, characterized in that, The reinforced sealing element is a flexible panel or a rigid panel.

38. The sealing device according to claim 36, characterized in that, The reinforced seal is used to restore at least one of the compressible core's shape or volume to its initial uncompressed state after at least one of the lips of the vehicle or platform boarding bridge has compressed the compressible core.

39. The sealing device according to claim 36, characterized in that, The reinforcing seal includes a fifth end and a sixth end opposite to the fifth end, the fifth end extending into the cavity and the sixth end being positioned between opposite ends of the compressible core.

40. A sealing device for use at a loading platform, comprising: A rear seal, the rear seal comprising: Compressible wedge; Mounting brackets for connecting the compressible wedges to the loading platform; and A cover sleeve that encloses at least a portion of the compressible wedge or the mounting bracket, the cover sleeve including an end cap coupled to the compressible wedge, the cover sleeve extending cantilever-beam from the compressible wedge, the cover sleeve extending away from the compressible wedge along a first direction.

41. The sealing device according to claim 40, characterized in that, The cover is a flexible material that wraps around the compressible wedge.

42. The sealing device according to claim 40, characterized in that, The compressible wedge is a slender, compressible foam wedge.

43. The sealing device according to claim 40, characterized in that, The cover is configured to extend away from the compressible wedge in a first direction to seal a first gap between the pit floor of the loading platform and the vehicle when the platform loading ramp associated with the pit of the loading platform is in a vertically retracted position and the vehicle is parked at the loading platform, and to extend away from the platform surface of the loading platform in a second direction to seal a second gap between the platform surface and the vehicle.

44. A sealing device for use at a loading platform, the loading platform including a deck movable between a raised position, a cross-traffic position, and a lowered position, and a lip pivotally coupled to the deck and movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the lip defining a lip face and a back side opposite to the lip face, the sealing device comprising: For use as a front seal that can be movably coupled to the loading platform; as well as A cable for suspending the front seal at the loading platform, the front seal being movable relative to the platform surface in at least one of a first direction away from the platform surface or a second direction approaching the platform surface when the sealing device is installed at the loading platform, the front seal being configured to be positioned between the lip surface of the lip and the rear edge of the vehicle to seally engage the lip surface when the lip is in the retracted position and the deck is in at least one of the cross-traffic position or the lowered position, the front seal being configured to allow operation of at least one of the deck or the lip when the front seal is suspended at the loading platform.

45. The sealing device according to claim 44, characterized in that, The front seal includes a shaft that enables the front seal to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

46. ​​The sealing device according to claim 45, characterized in that, The front seal includes a plurality of flexible flaps extending radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis.

47. The sealing device according to claim 44, characterized in that, The front seal includes an elastic, compressible foam component enclosed within a flexible cover.

48. The sealing device according to claim 44, characterized in that, The sealing device further includes an installation system for movably connecting the front seal to the platform surface, the installation system for forcing the front seal to approach the platform surface of the loading station in a rearward direction when the sealing device is installed at the loading station.

49. The sealing device according to claim 48, characterized in that, The installation system includes a biasing element for coupling to the cable, the biasing element being used to provide tension to the cable to position the front seal relative to the lateral edge of the platform boarding bridge.

50. The sealing device according to claim 49, characterized in that, The front seal includes a shaft that allows the front seal to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and the sealing device further includes a retainer coupled to an end of the shaft, the retainer having an orifice for receiving the cable, the retainer holding at least a portion of the cable within the shaft of the front seal.

51. The sealing device according to claim 50, characterized in that, The sealing device also includes an anchor installed to the loading platform, the anchor having one or more orifices to receive one end of the cable, thereby connecting the front seal to the loading platform.

52. The sealing device according to claim 44, characterized in that, The sealing device further includes a rear seal connected adjacent to the front seal, the front seal and the rear seal receiving the lip of the deck therebetween, such that when the lip is in the retracted position, the rear seal engages the back side of the lip and the front seal engages the lip surface of the lip.

53. The sealing device according to claim 52, characterized in that, The rear seal includes a compressible core and a rear seal mounting bracket for connecting the compressible core to the loading platform. The front seal is configured to move relative to the rear seal when the platform loading ramp is in at least one of a traffic-crossing position or a loading position below the platform, to allow the lip of the platform loading ramp to be positioned between the front and rear seals.

54. The sealing device according to claim 53, characterized in that, The rear seal mounting bracket includes magnetic fasteners for attaching the rear seal to the mounting surface of the loading platform.

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