Door curtain assembly or sealing piece of platform temper mill

Abstract

An example station planisher apparatus is disclosed. The platform temper mill device comprises a door curtain assembly, and the door curtain assembly comprises an upper door curtain part and a lower door curtain part. The door curtain assembly is movable between a collapsed configuration and a drooping configuration. The curtain assembly has a longer length in the drooping configuration than in the folded configuration. A connector couples the upper curtain portion to a deck that is pivotally coupled to a chassis of the platform temper mill. And a releasable coupling between the upper door curtain portion and the lower door curtain portion. A releasable coupling is used to detachably couple the lower door curtain portion and the upper door curtain portion.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number "202180017741.9" filed on August 30, 2022 and invention name "Door curtain assembly or seal for platform leveling machine".

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This patent claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 964,452, filed on January 22, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to a platform leveling machine used at a loading dock, and more particularly to a door curtain assembly or seal for the platform leveling machine. Background Art

[0005] A typical loading dock of a building includes an exterior doorway with an elevated platform for loading and unloading vehicles such as trucks and trailers. Many loading docks have a dock leveler to compensate for height differences that may exist between the loading dock platform and the adjacent bed of a vehicle such as a truck or trailer. The dock leveler typically has a deck or ramp that is pivotally hinged along a rear edge to change the height of the front edge relative to the vehicle bed. An extension plate or lip extends outwardly from the front edge of the deck to span the gap between the deck and the vehicle.

[0006] The deck and lip are typically movable between a storage position and various operating positions. When in the storage position, the deck may be vertical or horizontal, depending on the style of platform leveler. In the various operating positions, the deck is typically at a slight angle to the horizontal, and the lip extends or rotates from the front edge of the deck to the cargo bed of the vehicle to form a bridge that enables personnel and material handling equipment to easily move onto and off the vehicle during loading and unloading operations. Environmental fencing (e.g., seals, screens) is typically installed around the perimeter of the platform doorway to reduce the exchange or flow of air, precipitation, contaminants, etc. between the interior and exterior environments when the platform doors are open to load and unload vehicles. Such fencing is typically installed along the upper and side edges of the doorway to reduce any gaps that may exist between the building surface and the rear of the vehicle. The location of the platform leveler at the lower edge of the doorway and the operation of the leveler require that the lip extend beyond the platform deck (i.e., into the vehicle), which creates problems with the seal between the platform deck and the vehicle along the lower edge of the doorway. Summary of the invention

[0007] In order to solve the problems in the prior art, the present invention proposes a door curtain assembly, which includes: a door curtain that can move between a folded configuration and a drooped configuration; and a connector, which is used to couple the door curtain to the deck of a platform leveling machine, and the connector is configured to be installed on the deck at a position between a first side edge and a second side edge of the deck near the front edge of the deck, and wherein, when the door curtain is coupled to the deck through the connector, the door curtain hangs freely from the deck.

[0008] In some examples, the connector is a clip that is press-fit with the deck.

[0009] In some examples, the clip is a body having a front wall and a rear wall defining a channel between each other, the front wall having the fastener, and the rear wall having the barb.

[0010] In some examples, the fastener secures an upper portion of the door curtain to the connector.

[0011] In some examples, the connector is a C-clamp.

[0012] In some examples, the lower edge of the door curtain does not have a connector.

[0013] In some examples, the connector includes a channel defined between a first portion of the connector and a second portion of the connector, the channel being configured to receive a front wall of the deck, the first portion of the connector being configured to engage a first surface of the front wall when the channel receives the front wall, and the second portion of the connector being configured to engage a second surface of the front wall opposite the first surface.

[0014] In some examples, the first portion of the connector includes a fastener interface for coupling an upper portion of the door curtain to the connector, and when the door curtain is coupled to the connector and the connector is coupled to the deck, the first portion of the connector is positioned between the door curtain and a front panel of the deck.

[0015] In some examples, the door curtain assembly further includes a barb extending from the connector to engage the deck, and wherein the connector is resilient.

[0016] In order to solve the problems in the prior art, the present invention also proposes a door curtain assembly, which includes: a door curtain that can move between a folded configuration and a drooped configuration; and one or more connectors, wherein the one or more connectors are used to fasten the upper edge of the door curtain assembly along and near the front edge of the deck of the platform leveling machine, the door curtain assembly extends between the deck and the floor of the pit, and the lower edge of the door curtain assembly hangs freely from the deck, and the lower edge sealingly engages the surface.

[0017] In some examples, the lower edge of the door curtain assembly is not secured to the surface or the chassis of the platform leveler or the pit, such that the lower edge is able to hang freely from the deck.

[0018] In some examples, the one or more connectors engage the deck but do not extend through the deck, and wherein the one or more connectors are resilient.

[0019] In some examples, the door curtain assembly further includes a side wall seal connected to a side of the pit and extending therefrom toward a side edge of the door curtain assembly.

[0020] In order to solve the problems in the prior art, the present invention also proposes a door curtain assembly, which includes: a door curtain that can move between a folded configuration and a drooped configuration; a connector that can be slidably coupled to the deck of the platform leveling machine, and the connector is configured to be installed on the deck at a position between the first side edge and the second side edge of the deck near the front edge of the deck; and a fastener for coupling the door curtain to the connector, when the door curtain is coupled to the connector by the fastener, the lower edge of the door curtain hangs freely from the deck.

[0021] In some examples, the door curtain is coupled to the deck using only the connector.

[0022] In some examples, the connector is a clamp.

[0023] In some examples, the door curtain includes a first plurality of annular baffles made of a flexible sheet material.

[0024] In some examples, a lower edge of the door curtain rests on a surface and the annular baffle sealingly engages the surface.

[0025] In some examples, the connector includes a body having a first wall and a second wall, the first wall and the second wall defining a channel between each other, the connector being used to couple with a front plate of the deck so that the channel receives at least a portion of the front plate, the first wall engaging a first surface of the front plate, and the second wall engaging a second surface of the front plate opposite the first surface.

[0026] In some examples, the fastener includes a first fastener portion and a second fastener portion, the first wall includes the first fastener portion, and the second fastener portion is used to couple with the first fastener portion to couple the door curtain with the connector.

[0027] In some examples, the door curtain assembly includes a first door curtain portion and a second door curtain portion, the first door curtain portion includes an upper edge, and the second door curtain portion includes the lower edge, and the door curtain assembly also includes a coupler for releasably coupling the first door curtain portion with the second door curtain portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a side view of an example platform leveler apparatus including an example platform leveler and an example door curtain assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.

[0029] Figure 2 is with Figure 1 A similar side view, but showing an example deck of an example platform leveler in an example lowered position.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Front view of the example platform leveler unit shown in .

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An enlarged side view of an example door curtain assembly is shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the example door curtain assembly is shown in an example drooped configuration.

[0032] Figure 5 is with Figure 4 A similar side view, but showing the example door curtain assembly in an example folded configuration.

[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 1-5 A partially exploded side view of an example front end of an example platform leveler and an example connector.

[0034] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A partially exploded side view of an example upper door curtain portion and an example connector.

[0035] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A partially exploded side view of an example lower door curtain portion and an example upper door curtain portion.

[0036] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an example connector constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.

[0037] Fig.10 is an example of a platform leveler deck and Fig. 9 A partially exploded side view of an example connector.

[0038] Fig.11 yes Figure 1-5 , 7 and 8 examples of upper door curtain parts and Fig. 9 and 10 A partially exploded side view of an example connector.

[0039] Fig.12 is with Fig.11 A similar partially exploded side view, but showing another example connector disclosed herein.

[0040] Fig.13 is with Fig.11 and Fig.12 A similar side view, but showing yet another example connector disclosed herein.

[0041] Fig.14 is a front view of another example platform leveler apparatus having an example corner seal disclosed herein.

[0042] Fig.15 is a front view of an example corner seal disclosed herein, wherein the example corner seal is in an example uncompressed position.

[0043] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A front view of the corner seal shown in , but showing the example corner seal in an example compressed position.

[0044] Fig.17 is with Figure 1 A similar side view, but showing an example elastic tensioner disclosed herein.

[0045] Fig.18 is with Figure 3 A similar front view, but showing another example platform leveler disclosed herein.

[0046] Fig.19 is with Figure 4 Similar side view, but showing Fig.18 Example of a platform leveler unit.

[0047] Fig. 20is a front view of another example platform leveler apparatus having an example sealing assembly disclosed herein.

[0048] Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 A three-dimensional and top view of a partial view of the platform leveling machine device.

[0049] Fig. 22 yes Figure 20-21 A perspective side view of an example platform leveler apparatus.

[0050] Fig.23 yes Figure 20-22 A side view of an example platform leveler apparatus.

[0051] Fig.24 yes Figure 20-23 A three-dimensional and partial front view of the platform leveling machine device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] An example platform leveler (Wu station leveler) device includes an example door curtain assembly device for shielding other exposed areas below the platform leveler of a vehicle loading platform. Some examples of door curtain assembly devices disclosed herein include universally (four-way) positioned connectors and releasable connectors to facilitate mounting the door curtain assembly device to the platform leveler. For example, one or more connectors can be connected to the edge of the deck front plate of the platform leveler to couple (couple) the door curtain assembly to the deck. One or more connectors can be positioned at any position on the edge between a first side edge of the front plate and a second side edge opposite the first side edge. For example, each connector includes a first fastener (e.g., a clip) for coupling to the deck and a second fastener (e.g., a screw and nut, a hook, etc.) for coupling to the door curtain assembly. In some examples, the connector is a unitary structure having a length substantially equal to or less than the length between the first and second side edges of the deck front plate.

[0053] The example door curtain assembly device disclosed herein includes a first portion (e.g., an upper door curtain) and a second portion (e.g., a lower door curtain). The second portion is removably coupled to the first portion by a third fastener (e.g., a hook and loop fastener). Specifically, the third fastener enables the second portion to be releasably coupled to the first portion without the use of tools. The door curtain assembly device is constructed of a soft (pliable) material to enable the door curtain assembly device to move between a folded configuration and an extended or unfolded configuration (e.g., when the deck of the platform leveler moves between a lowered position and a raised position). In some examples, the door curtain assembly device (e.g., the upper door curtain and the lower door curtain) is constructed or configured to fold in a predetermined pattern when the door curtain assembly device is moved to the folded configuration.

[0054] To enable the door curtain assembly device to fold in a predetermined pattern, the door curtain assembly device disclosed herein may include one or more fold lines, loops, hems, seams (e.g., sewn seams), fabric stitches, and / or any other structure to enable the door curtain assembly device to fold in a predetermined pattern in response to the deck of the platform leveler moving to a lower position (e.g., a storage position or a lowest position). In some examples, the door curtain assembly device disclosed herein employs side seals to fill or seal gaps between the side edges of the door curtain assembly and the side walls of the pit area.

[0055] Figure 1-24 An example platform leveler apparatus 10 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure is shown. The platform leveler apparatus 10 includes a door curtain assembly 12 for shielding an area 14 (eg, other exposed area) beneath a platform leveler 16 of a loading platform 18 . Figure 1 The door curtain assembly 12 includes a connector 20 (e.g., a universally / universally positionable connector) and a releasable connector 22 to facilitate assembly and / or installation of the door curtain assembly 12 to different types (e.g., or various combinations) of platform levelers and / or loading stations, including, for example, the platform leveler 16 and the loading station 18.

[0056] In the illustrated example, the loading station 18 includes an exterior doorway (door opening) 24 having an elevated platform 26 for loading and unloading cargo from a vehicle 28 (e.g., a truck, trailer, etc.). The platform 26 extends partially around a pit 30 in which a chassis 32 of the station leveler 16 is mounted. In some examples, the chassis 32 is a single manufactured structure. In other examples, the chassis 32 includes a plurality of spaced-apart components (e.g., that can be coupled together). Some example materials for the chassis 32 include metal and concrete.

[0057] To compensate for the height difference between the platform 26 and the cargo bed 34 of the vehicle 28, the platform leveler 16 includes a rear hinge 36 that pivotally (pivotably) connects the deck 38 to the chassis 32. The rear hinge 36 allows the deck 38 to pivotally adjust the front edge 40 to (e.g., more closely match) the height of the vehicle cargo bed 34. Figure 1 , 3 , 4 and 13 show the deck 38 in an example raised position, while Figure 2 and 5 The deck 38 is shown in an example lowered position.

[0058] In some examples, a front hinge 42 pivotally connects the lip 44 to the front edge 40 of the deck 38. The front hinge 42 enables the lip 44 to pivot between a retracted storage position 46 (e.g., a fully retracted position) and an extended operating position 48 (e.g., a fully extended operating position) (the two positions 46 and 48 are mutually adjustable). Figure 4denoted by a dotted line).

[0059] When the lip 44 is in the extended operating position 48, an actuator 50 (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder, a motor, a spring, a bellows, various combinations thereof, etc.) adjusts or lowers the deck 38 so that the lip 44 is lowered against the vehicle bed 34, for example, as Figure 2 The deck 38 and lip 44 provide a bridge between the platform 26 and the cargo bed 34 , thereby enabling personnel and material handling equipment to transfer cargo to and from the vehicle 28 .

[0060] To inhibit hot or cold air from freely entering and / or leaving the area 14 below the deck 38, the door curtain assembly 12 is mounted in front of the pit 30 or adjacent to the front edge of the pit 30. More specifically, for example, Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 8 , the door curtain assembly 12 extends (eg, extends vertically) between the front end 40 of the deck 38 and the base frame 32 , and extends transversely (eg, extends laterally) between the side walls 52 of the pit 30 .

[0061] The door curtain assembly 12 includes an upper curtain portion 54 (e.g., a first portion) and a lower curtain portion 56 (e.g., a second portion). The lower curtain portion 56 is removably coupled to (e.g., can be separated from) the upper curtain portion 54. The connector 20 connects or couples the upper curtain portion 54 to the front end 40 of the deck 38. The upper curtain portion 54 can be any suitable flexible or semi-rigid material (e.g., a three-layer ribbon material).

[0062] The releasable coupling 22 provides a removable connection (e.g., a detachable, removable, and / or recoverable connection) between the upper curtain portion 54 and the lower curtain portion 56. The releasable coupling 22 facilitates assembly of the door curtain assembly 12. For example, the releasable coupling 22 enables the door curtain assembly to be installed (e.g., in two steps) by attaching the upper curtain portion 54 to the deck 38 and attaching the lower curtain portion 56 to the upper curtain portion 54. In some examples, the lower curtain portion 56 can be attached to the upper curtain portion 54, and the upper curtain portion 54 can be attached to the deck 38.

[0063] Figure 6-8 An example method for installing the door curtain assembly 12 is shown in FIG. Figure 6 The mounting position shown attaches the connector 20 to the deck 38 (e.g., the plate 39 of the deck 38). In some examples, the specific design or type of connector 20 (e.g., see Figure 9-13 ) allows the connector 20 to be attached to different mounting locations relative to the deck 38. For example, Figure 3Arrows 58 and 60 represent mounting positions relative to the deck 38 (e.g., are infinitely variable). For example, in some examples, the connector 20 can be coupled (e.g., clamped or clamped) to the front plate 62 of the deck 38 at nearly any position along the width or height of the front plate 62. For example, the front plate 62 is positioned below (e.g., and extends away from) the upper surface 37 of the deck 38. The front plate 62 in the illustrated example is not parallel (e.g., perpendicular) relative to the upper surface 37 of the deck 38. Details of the connector 20 will be further described below.

[0064] When the connector 20 is attached to the deck 38, the holes 64 ( Figure 11-13 ) is provided or formed (e.g., by drilling) to pass through the upper door curtain portion 54. For example, Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the upper curtain portion 54 is placed on the connector 20 and held in place by fasteners 66 (eg, nuts, screws, etc.). Figure 3 A cutout 68 is formed in the upper curtain portion 54 to allow the upper curtain portion 54 to accommodate different structures or various obstructions, such as one or more actuator lugs 70 extending from the lip 44. The presence of such structures or obstructions may depend on the design of the particular platform leveler to which the curtain assembly 12 is to be installed.

[0065] For example Figure 8 As shown in , after the upper curtain portion 54 is installed, the lower curtain portion 56 is attached to the upper curtain portion 54 by the releasable coupling 22. In this example, the releasable coupling 22 is a touch-fix fastener 22a (e.g., a second fastener, a hook and loop fastener, Velcro, etc.). The touch-fix fastener 22a allows the position of the lower curtain portion 56 to be adjusted and accurately aligned relative to the chassis 32 and / or the side wall 52 of the pit before the curtain portions 54 and 56 are coupled by the touch-fix fastener 22a (e.g., before the curtain portions 54 and 56 are pressed together at the touch-fix fastener).

[0066] When the door curtain assembly 12 is attached to (e.g., and hung from) the deck 38, the lower end 74 of the lower door curtain portion 56 sealingly rests on (e.g., is not fixed or attached to) the lower portion 76 of the chassis 32 and remains separate therefrom (e.g., is not fastened or fixed to the chassis 32 and / or the pit 30). In other words, the lower end 74 is separate from the lower portion 76 of the chassis 32, meaning that the lower end 74 can contact or engage (e.g., sealingly engage) the lower portion 76 of the chassis 32, but is not fastened or fixed (e.g., attached with a fastener) to the lower portion 76.

[0067] In this example, portions of the door curtain assembly 12 are made of a flexible sheet material 78 (e.g., vinyl, fabric, various combinations thereof, etc.) so that when the deck 38 is raised from the raised position ( Figure 1 , 3 and 4) descend to the lowered position ( Figure 2 and 5 ), the door curtain assembly 12 can be easily folded and / or collapsed. The term, "flexible" refers to a sheet of material that can be creased or slightly folded onto itself and then unfolded without significant damage or permanent deformation of the sheet material.

[0068] In this example, the first plurality of annular baffles 80 and the second plurality of annular baffles 82 of the lower end 74 of the door curtain assembly are made of a flexible sheet material 78, so that the annular baffles 80 and 82 are sufficiently resilient to sealingly conform to various irregularities or surface contours of the lower portion 76 of the chassis. Figure 3 As shown, one example of such an irregularity or surface contour includes a lip (lip plate) retainer 84 on the chassis 32. The lip retainer 84 supports the weight of the deck 38 by providing a ledge on which the tip 86 of the lip plate 44 rests when the deck 38 is in the (e.g., horizontal) storage position.

[0069] The annular baffles 80 and 82 in the illustrated example are at different heights. For example, the first annular baffle 80 is located in front of the second annular baffle 82 so that the baffles 80 and 82 can seal against irregular surfaces. In the illustrated example, the plurality of slits 88 forming the baffles 80 and 82 are staggered laterally so that the baffles 80 and 82 overlap so as to cover each other's slits 88, for example, Figure 3 as shown in .

[0070] Although some portions of the door curtain assembly 12 are made of soft material 78, other portions are relatively rigid. The rigid portions (e.g., struts) of the door curtain assembly 12 support the door curtain assembly 12 from the wind and limit or prevent the door curtain assembly 12 from waving due to the pressure difference between the area 14 below the deck 38 and the outdoor air in front of the door curtain assembly 12. For example, some examples of the door curtain assembly 12 include panels 90 that are harder than the soft material 78. The panel materials of some examples include HMW (high molecular weight polyethylene) and / or fiberglass. In some examples, each panel 90 is approximately 0.125 inches by 3 inches and extends approximately across the entire width 92 of the door curtain assembly 12.

[0071] In the illustrated example, fasteners 94 (e.g., rivets, screws, etc.) connect the panel 90 to the flexible sheet material 78 of the door curtain assembly, and the reinforcing rods 96 prevent or limit the heads 98 of the fasteners 94 from tearing the sheet material 78 because the fasteners 94 sandwich the sheet material 78 between the panel 90 and the rods 96. In some examples, each reinforcing rod 96 can be approximately 0.250 inches by 1 inch and extend approximately the entire width 92 of the door curtain assembly 12 and be made of a material comparable to that of the panel 90. For strength, appearance, and / or ease of assembly, in some examples of the door curtain assembly 12, the sheet material 78 is wrapped around the rods 96, e.g. Figure 4 and Figure 5 as shown in .

[0072] To facilitate folding of the door curtain assembly 12 in a desired (e.g., predictable) manner so as not to interfere with the actuator 50 or other components of the platform leveler 16, the door curtain assembly 12 includes a linear seam 100 (e.g., strategically placed) to create a corresponding plurality of annular hems 102 (e.g., a first plurality of annular hems 102a and a second plurality of annular hems 102b) that facilitate folding of the door curtain assembly 12 in a predetermined or desired pattern. The annular hems 102 are an integral part of the soft material 78.

[0073] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the example shown, a first plurality of annular hems 102a are on a front side 104 of the lower door curtain portion 56, and a second plurality of annular hems 102b are on a rear side 106 of the door curtain portion 56. The front side 104 faces forward toward the vehicle 28, and the rear side 106 faces rearward toward the area 14 below the deck 38. In addition, the panels 90 are interspersed between the annular hems 102. With this arrangement of the annular hems 102 and the relatively rigid panels 90, the door curtain assembly 12 can be moved from a drooped configuration ( Figure 4 ) collapses to a generally (eg, predetermined or preset) folded configuration ( Figure 5 ). Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the door curtain assembly 12 is longer in the drooped configuration (eg, vertical) than in the folded configuration.

[0074] Returning to the description of the connector 20, Figure 9-13 Details of various example connectors 20 (e.g., connectors 20a, 20b, and 20c) are shown. Figure 9-11In the example shown, the connector 20a is a clip 108 (e.g., a resilient spring steel clip) having a screw 110 (e.g., a second fastener, a threaded screw formed with or attached to the clip 108) and a barb 112 (e.g., a first fastener, an integral barb). The clip 108 and the barb 112 provide a clamping force (e.g., a snap-fit ​​compression) that can securely hold the connector 20a on the front plate 62 (e.g., a suitably thick front plate) of the deck 38. The screw 110 extends through the hole 64 in the upper curtain portion 54, and the fastener 66 is coupled to the screw 110 to couple the upper curtain portion 54 to the connector 20 (e.g., to hold the upper curtain portion 54 in place). A washer 114 can be used to reinforce the upper curtain portion 54 in the area around the hole 64.

[0075] Reference Fig.12 , connector 20b is a Tinnerman nut that clamps or attaches to the front plate 62 of the deck in a manner similar to connector 20a. A hollow hexagon head round point set screw 116 is threaded into the nut 118 of connector 20b. Fastener 66 (e.g., nut) and washer 114 secure the upper door curtain section 54 to connector 20b.

[0076] In another example, Fig.13 As shown, the connector 20c includes a channel 120 (e.g., a short rigid channel), an integral nut 122, and a rubber pad 123 (e.g., a high friction rubber pad). The set screw 116 is screwed into the nut 122 (e.g., engaged with the front plate 62), so that the connector 20c acts as a clamp (e.g., a C-clamp) that can firmly clamp and grip the front plate 64 of the deck. The fastener 66 (e.g., a nut) and the washer 114 secure the upper door curtain portion 54 to the connector 20c.

[0077] Reference Figure 14-16 A pair of corner seals 124 (e.g., corner seals 124a and 124b) are mounted on the front of the door curtain assembly 12. The corner seals 124 seal gaps that may exist along the sidewalls 52 of the pit and / or at the front lower corner 126 of the pit 30. The corner seals 124 may be of any suitable shape and configuration. Fig.14 The corner seal 124a may be a panel formed of a flexible or semi-rigid material.

[0078] exist Fig.15 and Fig.16In the example shown, the corner seal 124b includes a soft triangular sheet 138 located behind a less flexible front panel 140. Some examples of the front panel 140 are made of any suitable flexible or semi-rigid material (e.g., a three-layer strip material). In some examples, the sheet 138 is made of a ten-ounce vinyl fabric supported by one or more elastic fiberglass struts 142 (e.g., an upper strut 142a and a lower strut 142b). In the example shown, a metal bracket 146 connects the struts 142, the sheet 138, and the panel 140 to a suitable anchor point, such as the chassis 32.

[0079] For example Fig.16 As shown, the flexibility of the sheet 138 and the struts 142 allows the seal 124b to partially collapse in response to the deck 38 descending to a lower position. As the deck 38 descends, the toe guards 144 on both sides of the deck 38 push the sheet 138 downward. In some examples, the upper strut 142a will bend until the upper strut 142a touches (reaches) the lower strut 142b. At this point, both struts 142a and 142b will bend until the deck 38 reaches a lower position (e.g., the bottommost position). For example, Fig.15 As shown, as the deck 38 rises toward the raised position, the struts 142 push the sheet 138 back to the normal, uncompressed position.

[0080] In some examples, such as Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the platform leveler device 10 includes an elongated elastic tensioner 128 (e.g., a tension spring, an elastic band, a bungee cord, etc.). The tensioner 128 can provide multiple functions. For example, the tensioner 128 can prevent the positive air pressure in the room from blowing the door curtain assembly 12 forward, so that the door curtain assembly 12 cannot be folded according to a predetermined mode (e.g., as expected). In some examples, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the tensioner 128 has a first end 130 connected to the deck 38 and a second end 132 attached to the rear side 106 of the lower curtain portion 56 .

[0081] In some examples, the tensioner 128 can hold the door curtain assembly 12 in a compressed, folded shape (e.g., Fig.17 ) to provide workers with open access to the area 14 below the deck 38 when maintaining, inspecting, cleaning and / or repairing the deck 38. Figure 1-5 and 14) to service configuration ( Fig.17), the second end 132 of the tensioner is separated from the rear side 106 of the lower curtain portion 56 and coupled to an anchor point 134 in front of the curtain assembly 12. In some examples, to ensure safe access to the underside of the deck 38 and lip 44, a temporary support 136 is used.

[0082] In another example, Fig.18 and 19 As shown, the soft sheet material 78 is stitched to provide a pocket 139 to receive the panel 90 therein. This simplifies manufacturing, reduces the number of stitches, provides a cleaner appearance, and / or eliminates the need for a reinforcing rod 96. In some examples, the fastener 94 holds the panel 90 (e.g., securely) within the pocket 139. In some examples, a plurality of annular baffles 141 sealingly conform to various irregularities of the chassis lower portion 76. The baffles 141 are similar to the baffles 80 and 82, but have a different number and configuration to enhance the seal in some example installations.

[0083] Reference Figure 20-24 , the illustrated example platform leveler apparatus 10 includes an example seal assembly 200 disclosed herein. Fig. 20 The platform leveler apparatus 10 of the embodiment is shown with the deck 38 in a lowered position 201 (e.g., a use position) and the lip 44 in a retracted storage position 46 in front of the door curtain assembly 12 (e.g., the upper door curtain portion 54 and / or the lower door curtain portion 56). The platform leveler apparatus 10 in the illustrated example includes a pair of corner seals 202 (e.g., corner seals 202a and 202b) and a pair of side wall seals 204 (e.g., side wall seals 204 and 204b). The corner seals 202 are mounted in front of the door curtain assembly 12. The corner seals 202 seal one or more gaps that may exist along the side walls 52 of the pit 30 and / or at the front edge 208 of the pit 30. The side wall seals 204 are longitudinally positioned along the vertical height of the pit wall and are adjacent to and generally parallel to the edge of the door curtain assembly 12 so as to seal the gap therebetween. Thus, the corner seals 202 and / or the sidewall seals 204 improve the sealing characteristics of the door curtain assembly 12 without interfering with the operation of the finisher 16 .

[0084] Reference Fig.21 and Fig. 22, the corner seals 202 each include a panel 210 and a bracket 212. The panel 210 can be formed of a flexible, semi-rigid material and / or a rigid material. The panel 210 in the illustrated example has a rectangular shape and extends upward from the pit floor 30a or the front edge 208 of the pit 30. However, in some examples, the panel 210 can have a square profile shape and / or any other shape. In some examples, the outer edge 209 of the panel 210 of the illustrated example engages (e.g., sealingly engages) a corresponding one of the side walls 52 of the pit 30. In some examples, one or more peripheral edges of the panel 210 may include a seal or a material strip (e.g., a rubber or soft material strip).

[0085] The bracket 212 of the illustrated example couples the panel 210 to the pit 30. Fig. 22 , each bracket 212 (e.g., an L-shaped bracket) of the illustrated example includes a first portion 214 (e.g., a first leg) and a second portion 216 (e.g., a second leg) extending from the first portion 214 toward the door curtain assembly 12. The example bracket 212 includes one or more holes 218 for receiving fasteners for attaching the bracket 212 to the pit floor 30a. The first portion 214 is attached to the panel 210 by fasteners 220, and the second portion 216 attaches the panel 210 to the pit 30 by one or more fasteners (e.g., magnets).

[0086] Reference Fig. 22 and Fig.23 In order to seal between the side edges 222 of the door curtain and the side walls 52 of the pit 30, the platform leveler apparatus 10 of the illustrated example includes side wall seals 204. For clarity, Fig. 22 Remove the door curtain assembly 12 and Fig.23 The door curtain assembly 12 is moved in the lowered position to clear the side wall seal 204. The first side wall seal 204a is positioned near the first side edge 222a of the door curtain assembly 12, and the second side wall seal 204b is positioned near the second side edge 222b of the door curtain assembly 12. The side wall seal 204 in the illustrated example is coupled to the side wall 52 of the pit 30. Therefore, the side wall seal 204 reduces or eliminates the gap between the side wall 52 and the respective side edges 222 of the door curtain assembly 12 or the intermediate structure of the leveler 16 (depending on the structure and position of the leveler 16). When the leveler 16 is in the storage or lowered position, the toe guards (e.g., Fig.15 and 16The sidewall seal 204 is separated from the side edge 222 of the door curtain assembly 12 by a toe guard 144 in the floor leveler 16. In other words, when the leveler 16 is in the storage position, the sidewall seal 204 extends (seals) between the sidewall 52 of the pit 30 and the toe guard (e.g., toe guard 144) along the vertical depth dimension of the pit 30. In the absence of a toe guard, or when the leveler 16 is in the raised position, the sidewall seal 204 extends (seals) between the sidewall 52 of the pit 30 and the side edge 222 of the door curtain assembly 12.

[0087] The side wall seals 204 each include a base 228 and a seal 230 that extends or projects from the base 228 in a direction away from the side wall 52 to which it is attached. The base 228 may be a rigid or semi-rigid material, and the seal 230 may be a flexible and / or compressible material. The base 228 includes holes for receiving fasteners 232 that attach the side wall seal 204 to the side wall 52. The seal 230 defines a pocket or opening 234 for receiving the side edge 222 of the door curtain assembly 12. Fig.24 In operation, when the deck 38 is in the raised position (e.g. Figure 1 ), the door curtain assembly 12 engages the side wall seals 204 to provide a seal between each side edge 222 of the door curtain assembly 12 (e.g., the side edge 222 of the upper door curtain portion 54 and / or the lower door curtain portion 56) and the side wall 52 of the pit 30. The side wall seals 204 engage (e.g., surround or wrap around) the front and / or rear surfaces of the side edges 222 of the door curtain assembly 12. The corner seals 202 provide a seal at the lower corners and lower edges of the door curtain assembly 12.

[0088] It should be understood that a particular feature of an example disclosed herein is not necessarily specific to that example. Rather, any feature of the example platform leveler apparatus described above and / or depicted in the accompanying drawings may be combined with or implemented by any other example platform leveler apparatus disclosed herein, and as a supplement or replacement for any other feature of those examples. Features of one example are not mutually exclusive of features of another example. Rather, the scope of the present disclosure includes any combination of any features.

[0089] At least some of the above examples include one or more features and / or benefits including, but not limited to, the following.

[0090] In some examples, a door curtain assembly includes an upper door curtain portion and a lower door curtain portion. The door curtain assembly is movable between a folded configuration and a drooped configuration. The door curtain assembly has a longer length in the drooped configuration than in the folded configuration. A connector couples the upper door curtain portion to a deck pivotally coupled to a chassis of the platform leveler. A releasable coupling between the upper door curtain portion and the lower door curtain portion is used to removably couple the lower door curtain portion to the upper door curtain portion.

[0091] In some examples, the releasable coupling is a touch-and-lock fastener.

[0092] In some examples, the connector is configured to be mounted to the deck at a location between a first side edge and a second side edge of the deck.

[0093] In some examples, barbs extend from the connector to engage the deck and the connector is resilient.

[0094] In some examples, the connector engages the deck but does not extend through the deck, and wherein the connector is resilient.

[0095] In some examples, the connector is a clamp.

[0096] In some examples, the lower end of the lower curtain portion includes a first plurality of annular baffles made of a flexible sheet material.

[0097] In some examples, the lower end of the lower curtain portion includes a second plurality of annular baffles, wherein the first plurality of annular baffles are located at a front side of the lower curtain portion and the second plurality of annular baffles are located at a rear side of the lower curtain portion.

[0098] In some examples, the elastic tensioner has a first end to be connected to the deck and a second end attached to the rear side of the lower curtain portion.

[0099] In some examples, the platform leveler device can be configured between a normal operating configuration and a service configuration, the platform leveler device including an elastic tensioner having a first end to be connected to the deck, the elastic tensioner having a second end configured to be attached to the rear side of the lower door curtain portion when the platform leveler device is in the normal operating configuration and to be attached to the front side of the door curtain assembly when the platform leveler device is in the service configuration.

[0100] In some examples, the first plurality of annular hems are located on a front side of the lower curtain portion.

[0101] In some examples, a second plurality of annular hems are located on a rear side of the lower curtain portion.

[0102] In some examples, a first plurality of annular hems and a second plurality of annular hems facilitate the door curtain assembly to assume the folded configuration.

[0103] In some examples, the first plurality of annular flanges and the second plurality of annular flanges are part of a flexible sheet material.

[0104] In some examples, a plurality of panels are interspersed between the first plurality of annular flanges and the second plurality of annular flanges, wherein the plurality of panels are stiffer than the pliable sheet material.

[0105] In some examples, a plurality of panels are interspersed between the first plurality of annular flanges and the second plurality of annular flanges, wherein the plurality of panels are stiffer than the pliable sheet material.

[0106] In some examples, the device includes a plurality of rods that are stiffer than the pliable sheet material.

[0107] In some examples, the plurality of fasteners clamp the pliable sheet material between the plurality of panels and the plurality of rods.

[0108] In some examples, the flexible sheet material defines a plurality of pockets for receiving the plurality of panels.

[0109] In some examples, the lower curtain portion is separate from an underframe of the platform leveler.

[0110] In some examples, a platform leveler apparatus includes a door curtain assembly, the door curtain assembly including an upper door curtain portion and a lower door curtain portion. The door curtain assembly is movable between a folded configuration and a drooped configuration. The door curtain assembly is longer in the drooped configuration than in the folded configuration. A connector connects the upper door curtain portion to a deck pivotally coupled to a chassis of the platform leveler. The connector is configured to be mounted to a panel (front panel) of the deck. A contact-fixed fastener is used to couple the lower door curtain portion and the upper door curtain portion.

[0111] In some examples, a barb extends from the connector to engage the deck.

[0112] In some examples, the lower end of the lower curtain portion includes a first plurality of annular baffles.

[0113] In some examples, the elastic tensioner has a first end for coupling to the deck and a second end for coupling to a rear side of the lower curtain portion.

[0114] In some examples, the door curtain assembly includes an upper curtain portion, a lower curtain portion, and one or more releasable fasteners connecting the upper curtain portion and the lower curtain portion.

[0115] In some examples, the connector couples the door curtain assembly to the deck at a location extending between a first side edge and a second side edge of the deck.

[0116] In some examples, a barb extends from the connector to engage the deck, and wherein the connector is resilient.

[0117] In some examples, the connector is a clamp.

[0118] In some examples, the lower end of the door curtain assembly includes a first plurality of annular baffles made of a flexible sheet material.

[0119] In some examples, the lower end of the door curtain assembly includes a second plurality of annular baffles, the first plurality of annular baffles are located at a front side of the door curtain assembly, and the second plurality of annular baffles are located at a rear side of the door curtain assembly.

[0120] In some examples, an elastic tensioner has a first end to be connected to the deck and a second end attached to a rear side of the door curtain assembly.

[0121] In some examples, the deck can be configured between a normal operating configuration and a service configuration, and the platform leveler device includes an elastic tensioner having a first end to be connected to the deck, and the elastic tensioner having a second end configured to be attached to the rear side of the door curtain assembly when the platform leveler device is in the normal operating configuration and extending to the front side of the door curtain assembly when the platform leveler device is in the service configuration.

[0122] In some examples, a first plurality of annular folds are located on a front side of the door curtain assembly; and a second plurality of annular folds are located on a rear side of the door curtain assembly, the first plurality of annular folds and the second plurality of annular folds are used to cause the door curtain assembly to present the folded configuration, and the first plurality of annular folds and the second plurality of annular folds are formed by a soft sheet material.

[0123] In some examples, a plurality of panels are interspersed between the first plurality of annular flanges and the second plurality of annular flanges, the plurality of panels being stiffer than the pliable sheet material.

[0124] In some examples, the plurality of rods are stiffer than the pliable sheet material, and a plurality of fasteners are used to clamp the pliable sheet material between the plurality of panels and the plurality of rods.

[0125] In some examples, the flexible sheet material defines a plurality of pockets for receiving the plurality of panels.

[0126] In some examples, a lower edge of the door curtain assembly is decoupled from a chassis of the platform leveler and the pit.

[0127] In some examples, a platform leveler includes a deck pivotally connected to a chassis mounted in a pit. A door curtain assembly is configurable between a folded configuration and a drooped configuration. The door curtain assembly includes a first plurality of annular hems located at a front side of the door curtain assembly and a second plurality of annular hems located at a rear side of the door curtain assembly. The first plurality of annular hems and the second plurality of annular hems are used to cause the door curtain assembly to assume a folded configuration, and the first plurality of annular hems and the second plurality of annular hems are formed of a soft sheet material. A connector is used to couple the door curtain assembly to the deck.

[0128] In some examples, a door curtain assembly includes an upper curtain portion, a lower curtain portion, and one or more releasable fasteners connecting the upper curtain portion and the lower curtain portion.

[0129] In some examples, the connector is resilient, barbs extend from the connector to engage the deck, and the connector has an infinitely variable mounting position relative to the deck.

[0130] In some examples, the connector is configured to be mounted on the deck such that the curtain assembly is positioned along a front edge of the grader deck between a first side edge and a second side edge of the deck.

[0131] In some examples, the connector is a clamp.

[0132] In some examples, the lower end of the door curtain assembly includes a first plurality of annular baffles made of a flexible sheet material.

[0133] In some examples, the lower end of the door curtain assembly includes a second plurality of annular baffles, the first plurality of annular baffles are located on a front side of the door curtain assembly, and the second plurality of annular baffles are located on a rear side of the door curtain assembly.

[0134] In some examples, the elastic tensioner has a first end to be connected to the deck and a second end to be attached to the back side of the door curtain assembly.

[0135] In some examples, the platform leveler device can be configured between a normal operating configuration and a service configuration, and includes an elastic tensioner having a first end to be connected to the deck, and the elastic tensioner having a second end configured to be attached to the rear side of the door curtain assembly when the platform leveler device is in the normal operating configuration and to extend across the front side of the door curtain assembly when the platform leveler device is in the service configuration.

[0136] In some examples, a plurality of panels are interspersed between the first plurality of annular flanges and the second plurality of annular flanges, the plurality of panels being stiffer than the pliable sheet material.

[0137] In some examples, the plurality of rods are stiffer than the pliable sheet material, and the plurality of fasteners clamp the pliable sheet material between the plurality of panels and the plurality of rods.

[0138] In some examples, the flexible sheet material defines a plurality of pockets for receiving the plurality of panels.

[0139] In some examples, a lower edge of the door curtain assembly is decoupled from the chassis and pit of the platform leveler.

[0140] In some examples, the sidewall seals are connected to the sides of the pit and extend from the sides of the pit toward the side edges of the door curtain assembly.

[0141] In some examples, a corner seal is removably coupled to a floor or sidewall of the pit and extends therefrom to near a front edge of the pit.

[0142] Although certain example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claims

1. A door curtain assembly, comprising: a door curtain that can be moved between a folded configuration and a drooped configuration; as well as A connector for coupling the door curtain to a deck of a platform leveler, the connector being configured to be mounted to the deck at a position between a first side edge and a second side edge of the deck near a front edge of the deck, and wherein the door curtain hangs freely from the deck when the door curtain is coupled to the deck via the connector.

2. The door curtain assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The connector is a clip that is press-fit with the deck.

3. The door curtain assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The clip is a body having a front wall and a rear wall defining a channel between each other, the front wall having a fastener, and the rear wall having a barb.

4. The door curtain assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The fastener fastens the upper portion of the door curtain to the connector.

5. The door curtain assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The connector is a C-clamp.

6. The door curtain assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The lower edge of the door curtain has no connector.

7. The door curtain assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The connector includes a channel defined between a first portion of the connector and a second portion of the connector, the channel being used to receive a front wall of the deck, the first portion of the connector being used to engage a first surface of the front wall when the channel receives the front wall, and the second portion of the connector being used to engage a second surface of the front wall opposite to the first surface.

8. The door curtain assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The first portion of the connector includes a fastener interface for coupling an upper portion of the door curtain to the connector, and when the door curtain is coupled to the connector and the connector is coupled to the deck, the first portion of the connector is positioned between the door curtain and the front plate of the deck.

9. The door curtain assembly of claim 8, further comprising a barb extending from the connector to engage the deck, and wherein: The connector is elastic.

10. A door curtain assembly, comprising: a door curtain that can be moved between a folded configuration and a drooped configuration; as well as One or more connectors for securing an upper edge of the door curtain assembly along and adjacent a front edge of a deck of a platform leveler, the door curtain assembly extending between the deck and a floor of the pit, the lower edge of the door curtain assembly hanging freely from the deck, the lower edge sealingly engaging a surface.

11. The door curtain assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The lower edge of the door curtain assembly is not secured to the surface or the chassis of the platform leveler or the pit so that the lower edge can hang freely from the deck.

12. The door curtain assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The one or more connectors engage the deck but do not extend through the deck, and wherein the one or more connectors are resilient.

13. The door curtain assembly of claim 10, further comprising a side wall seal connected to a side of the pit and extending therefrom toward a side edge of the door curtain assembly.

14. A door curtain assembly, comprising: a door curtain that can be moved between a folded configuration and a drooped configuration; a connector slidably coupled to a deck of the platform leveler, the connector being configured to be mounted to the deck at a location between a first side edge and a second side edge of the deck proximate a front edge of the deck; as well as A fastener is used to couple the door curtain to the connector, when the door curtain is coupled to the connector by the fastener, the lower edge of the door curtain hangs freely from the deck.

15. The door curtain assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The door curtain is coupled to the deck using only the connector.

16. The door curtain assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The connector is a clamp.

17. The door curtain assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The door curtain includes a first plurality of annular baffles made of a flexible sheet material.

18. The door curtain assembly according to claim 17, wherein: The lower edge of the door curtain rests on a surface and the annular baffle sealingly engages the surface.

19. The door curtain assembly of claim 14, wherein the connector comprises a body having a first wall and a second wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall define a channel between each other, the connector being configured to couple with a front panel of the deck so that the channel receives at least a portion of the front panel, the first wall engaging a first surface of the front panel, and the second wall engaging a second surface of the front panel opposite to the first surface.

20. The door curtain assembly according to claim 19, wherein: The fastener includes a first fastener portion, the first wall includes the first fastener portion, and the second fastener portion is used to couple with the first fastener portion to couple the door curtain with the connector.

21. The door curtain assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The door curtain assembly includes a first door curtain portion including an upper edge and a second door curtain portion including the lower edge, and the door curtain assembly further includes a coupler for releasably coupling the first door curtain portion with the second door curtain portion.

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