VEHICLE LEVELER WITH LIGHTING SAFETY FUNCTIONS.

Abstract

The vehicle leveler includes a first portion having an approach edge and a departure edge, the departure edge being positioned farther from the approach road than the approach edge. The embodiment also includes a second portion having an approach edge and a departure edge, the approach edge of the second portion being joined to the departure edge of the first portion, and the approach edge of the second portion being positioned farther from the approach road than the departure edge of the first portion. The device has opposing side portions and a platform. The opposing side portions include at least one or more lights illuminating the leveler and the platform.

Description

VEHICLE LEVELER WITH LIGHTING SAFETY FUNCTIONS DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to vehicle levelers and, more particularly, to a vehicle leveler having multiple surface angles as well as safety features, including an integrated lighting system. A variety of truck levelers have been designed to adjust the height of different trailers so that the trailer deck correctly matches the dock height. Aligning the height of the trailer and the dock makes loading and unloading cargo easier. One such device is seen in U.S. Patent No. 4,624,446 to Gould, which describes a reinforced platform pivotally mounted to the ground at one end and includes a support assembly having hydraulic cylinders. In operation, the rear wheels of a truck trailer rest on the platform, and then the hydraulic cylinders raise the unmounted end of the platform until the trailer deck is level with the dock height. A similar device is shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,765,792 to Cherry et al., which also discloses a pivotally mounted, hydraulically raised platform. In addition to Gould's description, the device includes inward mounting of the hydraulic system from the unmounted end of the platform and an opening at the unmounted end of the platform to accommodate a truck restraint device. Or another design is described in the United States Patent United States No. 6,368,043 by Leum, et al., which describes a low-profile grader truck. In this design, a low-profile grader is enabled by the use of a raised rear beam and two side beams that extend above the upper surface of the platform. In addition, a center beam adds further strength and rigidity to the grader. Prior art vehicle levelers often have certain disadvantages. Most vehicle levelers have ramp surfaces that are not very adjustable. This is a clear disadvantage when loading or unloading vehicles. Prior art levelers are also not adaptable to all types of vehicles. This is yet another disadvantage. Some prior art levelers present certain drawbacks and disadvantages that this device addresses. Specifically, it would be advantageous to have a vehicle leveler that is highly adjustable and can raise the front and rear axles of a vehicle simultaneously to minimize the slope of the vehicle's interior floor and thus allow for safer loading and unloading. It would also be advantageous to have a vehicle leveler with enhanced safety features, such as an adjacent raised platform for vehicle operators, as well as integrated lights. In summary, there are problems and shortcomings in vehicle levelers of the previous technology, and it is to these needs that this device is directed. It is an object of this invention to provide a vehicle leveler that is highly adjustable and can raise the rear and front axles of a vehicle at the same time to minimize the slope of the internal floor of the vehicle or trailer. Another object of this invention is to provide a vehicle leveler that has improved safety during the loading and unloading of cargo from a vehicle that is on the leveler. Another object of this invention is to provide a safe platform surface to give the vehicle driver a wide walking surface to assist him when entering and exiting a vehicle, as well as when walking around adjacent trailers. Another object of this invention is to provide a safety lighting system that is integrated into the vehicle leveler and controlled by a sensor near the 25th door. These and other objects of the invention will be evident from the following descriptions and drawings. The preferred embodiment of the invention includes a vehicle leveler for use with an access road comprising a first portion having an incoming edge and an outgoing edge. The outgoing edge is disposed farther from the access road than the incoming edge and forms a ramp section. The first portion has a flat section adjacent to the outgoing edge, and the flat section is disposed more or less parallel to the substantially flat access road. The second portion also includes an extension portion extending from the outgoing edge of the second portion toward the rear of the leveler and includes a substantially flat section disposed more or less parallel to the substantially flat access road. The first and second portions are each unitary structures that are separate from each other until they are removably joined by a connecting device.It is highly preferable that the vehicle leveler include opposite side portions that extend lengthwise and come into contact with the second portion and the extension portion, the opposite side portions having an upper surface that forms a platform. In highly preferred applications, two or more vehicle levelers may be installed adjacent to each other, and a removable extended dock surface may be installed between each vehicle leveler to form a large surface for use by the vehicle driver. It is preferable that the extended dock surface and the top surface form one large dock for the vehicle driver. In some preferred embodiments, each vehicle leveler has two opposing top surfaces, each of which forms a separate dock. The dock may extend the entire length of the top surface in some preferred embodiments, or it may extend only a portion of the length of the top surface. Preferably, the platform and extended platform surface include a metal grating for a safe contact surface for the driver of a vehicle walking on the platform or extended platform surface. The first and second portions are each preferably unitary structures that are separate from each other until they are removably joined by a connecting device. It is highly preferable that the second portion, including the extension portion, can be moved between a lowered and a raised position to accommodate different dock heights for loading and unloading vehicles. It is also preferable that the ramp section can have variable lengths and heights to accommodate a single-axle vehicle as well as a large trailer. Highly preferred configurations include at least one light on opposite side portions. At least one light is controlled by a sensor adjacent to a door, and the sensor is preferably a proximity sensor. Highly preferred modes also include b) that the door is a loading dock door and when the door is in an open position, at least one light is a first color, and when the door is in a closed position, at least one light is a second light of a different color. Preferably, the sensor automatically changes the color of at least one light between two different colors (which can be red or green or any other color) depending on whether the door is in the open or closed position. Preferably, at least one light consists of multiple lights installed along each opposite side portion. Each opposite side portion has an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface, and preferably the multiple lights are installed along the inner wall surface. In other preferred embodiments, at least one light is installed along the outer wall surface. It is preferable that multiple lights be installed along the outer wall surface; at least one light along the outer wall surface is preferably a white light, but it may be any colored light that illuminates the platform for a user. Highly preferred embodiments include at least one light on opposite side portions, the light or lights being controlled by at least one sensor that can detect when the vehicle leveler is in the lowered position and changes the light color when the vehicle leveler is in the lowered position and the adjacent dock door is closed. Preferably, a proximity sensor detects both when the vehicle leveler is in the lowered position and when the dock door is closed. Highly preferred embodiments also include at least one light being located on the inner surface of opposite side portions and / or at least one light being located on the outer surface of opposite side portions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings illustrate preferred modes, including the device features and functions mentioned above. The device will be easily understood from the descriptions and drawings. In the 20 drawings: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the vehicle leveler; FIGURE 2 is a top view of the vehicle leveler in FIGURE 1; FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle leveler of FIGURE 1 with a truck on the leveler and the leveler in the lowered position; FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the vehicle leveler of FIGURE 1 with a truck on the leveler and / or the leveler in the raised position; FIGURES 5 and 6 are perspective views of the vehicle leveler in the raised position; FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of the vehicle leveler of FIGURE 1 in the low position with a trailer 10 on the leveler; FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of the vehicle leveler of FIGURE 1 with a vehicle driver using the upper surface / platform; FIGURE 9 is a top view of the vehicle leveler illustrating the top surface / aisle that extends partially along the leveler; FIGURE 10 is a top view of the vehicle leveler illustrating the upper surface / platform that extends further along the leveler; FIGURE 11 is a front view of the leveler illustrating the opposite side portions and the extended platform surface; FIGURE 12 is a front view of the extended platform surface; FIGURE 13 is a front view of two levelers installed side by side and illustrating the large platform; FIGURE 14 is a top view illustrating four vehicle levelers installed side by side with a large platform between the levelers; Figure Ib is a perspective view of the vehicle leveler in the lowered position; FIGURE 16 is a perspective view of the vehicle leveler in the raised position; FIGURE 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of FIGURE 16; FIGURE 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of FIGURE 16; FIGURE 18A is an enlarged view taken along line 18A-18A of FIGURE 18 showing the sensor that is blocked; FIGURE 18B is an enlarged view taken along line 18A-18A of FIGURE 18 showing that the sensor is not blocked; FIGURE 19 is a perspective view showing 20 the sensor that is blocked by the door; FIGURE 20A and FIGURE 20B are electrical schematics of the control box; FIGURE 21 is an electrical schematic of the power unit; FIGURE 22 is a perspective view of the vehicle leveler illustrating the wheel chock; FIGURE 23 is a perspective view of the vehicle leveler illustrating the light; and FIGURE 24 is another perspective view of the vehicle leveler illustrating more than one light. Figures 1-24 show a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle leveler 10, as shown in Figure 1, includes three main portions: a first portion 12, a second portion 24, and an extension portion 30, and is designed for use in conjunction with a substantially flat access road 18 near a loading dock wall 46. Furthermore, the leveler 10 can be moved between a low position 36, shown in Figures 1 and 3, and a raised position 38, shown in Figures 4-6. The first portion 12 has a ramp section 20 that slopes upwards and a flat section 22 adjacent to the ramp section 20. The first portion 12 includes an entrance edge 14 and an exit edge 16. The exit edge 16 is positioned farther from approach road 18 than the entrance edge 14. The exit edge 16 is part of the flat section 22. The flat section 22 is positioned almost parallel to the substantially flat approach road 18. Figure 1 illustrates that the second portion 24 has an incoming edge 26 and an outgoing edge 28. The incoming edge 26 of the second portion 24 is removably attached to the outgoing edge 16 of the first portion 12, as shown in Figures 1, 3-4. Figure 5 illustrates that the first portion 12 and the second portion 24 are removably attached, or shows the first and second portions 12, 24 separated. The entry edge 26 of the second portion 24 is positioned further from the access road 18 than the exit edge 28 of the second portion 24. The second portion 24 also includes an extension portion 30 as can be seen in FIGURES 1-7. The extension portion 30 extends from the exit edge 28 of the second portion 24 towards the rear of the leveler 10 (the nearest wall 46 of the loading dock) and includes a substantially flat section 32 arranged almost parallel to the substantially flat access track 18. FIGURE 2 illustrates that the first portion 12 and the second portion 24 include a metal grid 42 on a steel plate to make contact with the wheels of a vehicle as the vehicle moves up and down the leveler 10. 20 The metal grid 42 on a steel plate is a material that is both durable and also provides increased traction for vehicles when moving to or from the leveler 10. Figures 1-7 illustrate that the first portion 12 and the second portion 24 are unitary structures that are separate from each other, as seen in Figure 5, until they are removably joined by a connecting device 34, as best seen in Figures 1 and 3-4. The connecting device 34 is located at the inlet edge 26 of the second portion 24 and connects to the outlet edge 16 of the first portion 12. The flat section 22 of the first portion 12 faces the connecting device 34, since the connecting device 34 is located at the inlet edge 26 of the second portion 24. The drawings illustrate that the second portion 24, including the extension portion 30, can be moved between a low position 36, as seen in FIGURES 1, 3, and 7, and a raised position 38, as seen in FIGURES 4 to 6, to accommodate different dock heights for loading and unloading cargo from vehicles. FIGURES 4-7 show a variety of different vehicle types that can use the leveler 10. Depending on the vehicle's length, the leveler can be customized in various ways, including with an extension portion 30 that can consist of multiple identical extension portions 20 that are removably attached to accommodate a longer vehicle. Figure 2 illustrates a leveler 10 with more than one extension portion 30. In a multi-extension portion configuration, each extension portion 30 is removably secured to another extension portion 30. In this type of embodiment, a first extension portion 30 would extend from the trailing edge 28 of the second portion 24 to the rear of the leveler 10, and the extension portions 30 would each include a substantially flat section 32 arranged parallel to the substantially flat approach path 18. In some embodiments, the multiple extension portions 30 may be of different lengths and do not have to be identical in length. The leveler 10 can be manufactured so that the ramp section 20 can have variable lengths and heights to accommodate a single rear axle vehicle as well as a large trailer. Figures 1 and 6 each illustrate a ramp section 20 with a different length and height. The ramp section 20 and the flat section 22 can be manufactured in different lengths and heights to accommodate single-axle pickup trucks and trailers, as well as tractor-trailer trucks with a clearance of 16.15 m (53 ft) above the road. Therefore, the leveler 10 can be manufactured so that any of the first portion 12, the second portion 24, or the extension portion 30 can have different lengths and heights to accommodate a variety of vehicle types and sizes. For example, FIGURES 3-4 show a box truck on leveler 10, FIGURES 5-6 show a larger vehicle on leveler 10, and FIGURE 7 illustrates a very large trailer on leveler 10. With leveler 10, it is possible to raise both the front and rear axles of a vehicle to minimize the slope or incline of a surface 40 of the interior floor of a trailer or vehicle, thus making loading and unloading cargo safer.Figures 3-7 illustrate a variety of vehicles on leveler 10, and the dotted line in Figures 3-4 illustrates the vehicle's interior floor surface 40. Figures 4-6 illustrate vehicles on leveler 10 with both the front and rear axles raised. Figure 6 illustrates that the leveler 10 may include opposing side walls 52 (see Figure 2) with a light mounting channel 44 having at least one light 50 (which could be a single light, multiple lights, or a string of lights) integrated into the light mounting channel 44. The lights 50 assist vehicles, such as trailers, when reversing or moving away from the leveler 10. A lifting system is also incorporated in the leveler 10 in the form of hydraulic lifts 48 that come into contact with the access road 18 as seen in FIGURE 1. 20 The hydraulic lifts 48 raise the second portion 24, including the extension portion 30 of the leveler 10. However, any other lifting system known in the art could also be used. The leveler 10 may also include wheel guides 54, shown in FIGURE 1, which may be located on any or all of the first portion 12, the second portion 24, or the extension portion 30. FIGURE 1 illustrates the wheel guides 54 on the first portion 12. The wheel guides 54 act to guide the trailer wheels into the correct position 5 for loading and unloading cargo. The relationship between the first portion 12 and approach track 18, as well as the second portion 24 and approach track 18, can also be defined in terms of angles, as shown in FIGURES 1-7. The ramp section 20 of the first portion 12 is sloped from approach track 18 at approximately 1 to 15 degrees from parallel with approach track 18. The second portion 24, extending from the first portion 12 to the rear of the leveler 10, includes a sloping section 56 that descends toward the substantially flat approach track 18 at approximately 1 to 15 degrees from parallel with the substantially flat approach track 18. In operation, a vehicle (sometimes including a large trailer) backs up to leveler 10 to place its rear wheels on the first portion, specifically ramp section 20. The wheels and trailer are thus raised from the approach road 18 as they back up to ramp 20. As the vehicle backs further toward leveler 10, the rear wheels move into the second portion, or descending section 56, and begin to descend toward the approach road 18. As the rear wheels continue to back up, they make contact with the extension portion 30, and at this point, depending on the length and size of the trailer or vehicle, the rear of the trailer or vehicle may now be in contact with the loading dock wall 46.Depending on the length of the vehicle or trailer, the front wheels may be in contact with the first section 12, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, or the trailer may be so large that only the rear wheels are on the leveler 10, as shown in Figure 7. Once the rear wheels are supported on the leveler 10 as much as possible, the lifting system can then be operated to raise the trailer to the appropriate height for safe loading and unloading. The leveler 10 can raise both the front and rear wheels of a vehicle to minimize the slope of the vehicle's interior floor, allowing for safer loading and unloading. FIGURES 8-14 illustrate that the 20-vehicle leveler 10 includes opposing side portions 58 that extend lengthwise and make contact with the first portion 12, the second portion 24, and the extension portion 30. As best seen in FIGURES 9-10, the opposing side portions 58 have a top surface 60 that forms a platform 60. The platform, also referred to herein as the top surface 60, is a safety feature used by a driver when entering or exiting a vehicle that is using the vehicle leveler 10. FIGURE 8 illustrates a driver using the platform 60. Figure 10 illustrates that the top surface / platform 60 can extend along the length of the second portion 24 and the extension portion 30, whereas FIGURE 9 illustrates that the top surface / platform 60 can only extend a portion of the length of the second portion 24 and the extension portion 30. Figure 11 illustrates the opposing side portions 58, as well as the upper surface / platform 60. Figure 12 is a more detailed view of the extended platform surface 62 mounted between two vehicle levelers 10 to form a large platform 64. Figures 13 and 14 illustrate that two or more vehicle levelers 10 can be installed adjacent to each other and that the extended platform surface 62 can be removably installed between each vehicle leveler 10 to form a large platform 64 for use by the vehicle driver. In Figure 14, each vehicle leveler 10 has two opposing side portions 58 with upper surfaces 60, each forming a separate platform. Figure 14 illustrates four vehicle levelers 10 installed side by side. FIGURE 14 also illustrates that the extended platform surface 62 forming a large platform 64 is a step (two or more platform surfaces 62 can be joined together to form a large platform 64 or the platform surface 62 can be manufactured to be wider and can be a large platform 64) which is wide to give the vehicle driver a wider stepping surface 5 to help them when stepping onto it and out to navigate around adjacent trailers. Figures 15-19 illustrate that the vehicle leveler 10 operates with a door interlock system that has at least one pair of photoelectric sensors 86 with a sensor path 82. Figures 15-16 illustrate that there is at least one light 84 in the opposite side portions 58 and that at least one light 84 is controlled by a sensor 86 adjacent to a loading dock door 88. The sensor 86 is a proximity sensor and is typically a multi-sensor. When door 88 is in the open position 90, as shown in FIGURE 16, at least one light, but preferably several lights 84, are of a first color. When door 88 is in the closed position 92, as shown in FIGURE 15, at least one light, but preferably several lights 84, are a second, different color. The sensor 86 will automatically change the color of at least one light 84 between the first and second colors depending on whether the door 88 is in the open position 90 or the closed position 92. In certain configurations, at least one light 84 consists of several lights installed along each opposite side portion 58. Each opposite side portion 58 has an interior wall surface 94 and an exterior wall surface 96, as can be seen more clearly in FIGURES 15 and 23-24. Multiple lights 84 installed along the interior wall surface 5 can also be seen in FIGURES 11-16. Figure 15 illustrates that at least one light 100 is installed along the surface of the exterior wall 96. A light 100 on the surface of the exterior wall 96 is a white light (or it may also be of an alternative color) that illuminates platform 62 for a user. Figures 23-24 illustrate that one or more lights 84 may be installed on the exterior surface 96 of opposite side portions 58 that illuminate platform 62. One or more lights 84 increase safety because it is easier for drivers to see where they are walking on platform 62 in the dark. Multiple sets of photoelectric sensors 86 can be used and placed in different locations adjacent to the vehicle leveler 10. The photoelectric sensors 86 are mounted on a wall 7 6 of the building as shown in FIGURES 20, 16 and 18, although they can also be mounted anywhere a photoelectric sensor can be used. For example, FIGURE 15 illustrates that the photoelectric sensors 86 can be placed next to the ramp section 20 of the vehicle leveler 10. The 86 photoelectric sensors can operate independently of the power supply to the vehicle leveler, allowing the 86 photoelectric sensors to stop the lowering or raising of the vehicle leveler by stopping the power supply to a motor. Also included is a motorized wheel chock 102 that has sensors to identify when the wheel chock 102 is placed against a vehicle wheel and is shown in FIGURE 22. The sensors (as seen in FIGURES 16 and 18) associated with the wheel chock 102 automatically change the exterior light on a building wall to red (or any other color) and an interior light on a building wall to green (or any other color). The exterior lights associated with the wheel chock 102 are interconnected so that the wall light associated with the wheel chock 102 is the same as at least one light 84 on opposite side portions 58. The wheel chock 102's output and position can change the color of the lights. Figures 20A and 20B are an electrical schematic of the control box. Figure 21 is an electrical schematic of a power supply in the power unit enclosure that houses a battery. The power supply has a lower current draw than a 25-amp power supply with an AC motor. The battery powers a 12-volt DC power system that requires a large amount of energy for a short period. The battery can be charged over a period of time with a lower building power requirement, allowing the use of a 120-volt, 1-amp circuit to power a dock door. A wide variety of materials are available for the various parts described and illustrated herein. Although the device has been described in conjunction with 10 specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to encompass all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle leveler for use with an access road characterized in that it comprises: • a first portion having an entry edge and / or an exit edge wherein the exit edge is disposed further from the access road than the entry edge and forms a ramp section, the first portion having a flat section adjacent to the exit edge, the flat section being disposed about parallel to the substantially flat access road 10, • a second portion having an entry edge and an exit edge wherein the entry edge of the second portion is removably attached to the exit edge of the first portion and the entry edge of the second portion 15 is disposed further from the access road than the exit edge of the second portion,including also the second portion an extension portion extending from the trailing edge of the second portion towards the rear of the leveler and including a substantially flat section arranged approximately parallel to the substantially flat approach path; • opposite side portions extending along and contacting the first portion, the second portion and the extension portion, the opposite side portions having an inner surface, an outer surface and a top surface, the top surface forming a platform; and • at least one light in the opposite side portions, at least one light being controlled by a sensor adjacent to a door.

2. The vehicle leveler according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one light is located on the inner surface of the opposite side portions. 10 3. The vehicle leveler according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one light is located on the outer surface of the opposite side portions.

4. The vehicle leveler according to claim 15, characterized in that the sensor is a proximity sensor.

5. The vehicle leveler according to claim 1, characterized in that the door is a loading dock door, when the door is in the open position at least one light is a first color, when the door is in the closed position at least one light is a second color 6. The vehicle leveler according to claim 5, characterized in that the sensor automatically changes the color of at least one light between the first color and the second color depending on whether the door is in the open or closed position.

7. The vehicle leveler according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one light is multiple lights installed along each opposite side portion b, each opposite side portion having an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface.

8. The vehicle leveler according to claim 7, characterized in that the multiple lights are installed along the surface of the interior wall 10.

9. The vehicle leveler according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one light is installed along the surface of the outer wall.

10. The vehicle leveler according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one light along the surface of the outer wall is a white light illuminating the platform for a user.

11. A vehicle leveler for use with a substantially flat approach road, the leveler being capable of moving between a low position and a raised position, the leveler in the low position characterized in that it comprises: • a first portion having an entry edge at the front of the leveler and a substantially flat section wherein the substantially flat section is inclined from the substantially flat approach road at an angle of between approximately 1 and 15 degrees from parallel with the substantially flat approach road; • a second portion extending from the inclined portion towards the rear of the leveler which includes a substantially flat section wherein the substantially flat section slopes down towards the substantially flat approach road at an angle of between approximately 1 and 15 degrees from parallel with the substantially flat approach road;• an extension portion extending from the second portion towards the rear of the leveler and including a substantially flat section arranged approximately parallel to the substantially flat approach path; and • opposite side portions extending along and contacting the first portion, the second portion and the extension portion, the opposite side portions having an inner surface, an outer surface and a top surface forming a platform; and • at least one light in the opposite side portions, at least one light being controlled by a sensor adjacent to a door.

12. The vehicle leveler according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one light is located on the inner and outer surfaces of opposite side portions. 25 13. The vehicle leveler according to claim 11, characterized in that the door is a loading dock door, when the door is in the open position at least one light is a first color, when the door is in the closed position at least one light is a second color or 14. The vehicle leveler according to claim 12, characterized in that the sensor is a proximity sensor and the sensor automatically changes the color of at least one light between the first color and the second color depending on whether the door is in the open position or in the closed position.

15. The vehicle leveler according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one light is multiple lights installed along each opposite side portion, each opposite side portion having an inner wall surface 15 and an outer wall surface.

16. The vehicle leveler according to claim 15, characterized in that the multiple lights are installed along the surface of the inner wall. 20 17. The vehicle leveler according to claim 15, characterized in that at least one light is installed along the surface of the outer wall.

18. The vehicle leveler according to claim 17, characterized in that at least one light along the surface of the outer wall is a white light illuminating the platform for a user.

19. A vehicle leveler for use with a substantially flat approach road, the leveler being capable of moving between a low position and a raised position, the leveler in the low position, characterized in that it comprises: • a first portion having an entry edge at the front of the leveler and a substantially flat section wherein the substantially flat section is inclined from the substantially flat approach road at approximately 1 to 15 degrees from parallel with the substantially flat approach road; • a second portion extending from the inclined portion towards the rear of the leveler, including a substantially flat section wherein the substantially flat section slopes down towards the substantially flat approach road at approximately 1 to 15 degrees from parallel with the substantially flat approach road;• an extension portion extending from the second portion towards the rear of the leveler and including a substantially flat section arranged approximately parallel to the substantially flat approach path; and • opposite side portions extending along and contacting the first portion, the second portion and the extension portion, the opposite side portions having an upper surface forming a platform; • at least one light in the opposite side portions, at least one light being controlled by a sensor adjacent to a door; and • a motorized wheel chock and corresponding wheel chock sensor, the wheel chock sensor indicating when the wheel chock is in contact with a vehicle wheel.

20. A vehicle leveler for use with an access road, characterized in that it comprises: 10 • a first portion having an entry edge and an exit edge wherein the exit edge is disposed further from the access road than the entry edge and forms a ramp section, the first portion having a flat section adjacent to the exit edge, the flat section being disposed about parallel to the substantially flat access road, • a second portion having an entry edge and an exit edge wherein the entry edge of the second portion is removably attached to the exit edge of the first portion and the entry edge of the second portion is disposed further from the access road than the exit edge of the second portion,including also the second portion an extension portion extending from the trailing edge of the second portion towards the rear of the leveler and including a substantially flat section arranged approximately parallel to the substantially flat approach road; • opposite side portions extending along and contacting the first portion, the second portion and the extension portion, the opposite side portions having an upper surface forming a platform; and • at least one light on the opposite side portions, at least one light being controlled by at least one sensor that can detect when the vehicle leveler is in a lowered position, thereby changing the color of at least one

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