Vertically-storing dock leveler apparatus and method

a vertical storage and leveler technology, applied in the field of dock levelers, can solve the problems of more difficult to ensure security and environmental control, the cost of installing pit-style dock levelers, and the drawback of horizontal storage of pit-style dock levelers, so as to and reduce the likelihood of objects falling.

US20050011020A1Inactive Publication Date: 2005-01-20SPX DOCK PRODS
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2005-01-20
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

A dock leveler for bridging the gap between a loading dock and the bed of a vehicle parked at the loading dock. The dock leveler is configured for installation on the top of the dock and is designed to rotate from a vertically-stored raised position to at least one lowered, operative position. In some embodiments, the dock leveler can be lowered either for normal operation so that the deck assembly rests on the bed of the vehicle or it can be lowered to accommodate an end-loading condition.
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Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to, and is a continuation-in-part, of U.S. patent applications entitled, “Vertically-Storing Dock Leveler Apparatus and Method” and “Spring Counterbalance Method and Apparatus for Variably Biasing a Dock Leveler”, filed May 27, 2003, and Sep. 22, 2003, respectively, having a Ser. Nos. 10 / 444,971 and 10 / 664,971 respectively, (both still pending) the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to dock levelers. More particularly the present invention relates to vertically-storing dock levelers. The present invention also relates to dock levelers that do not require a pit for installation. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Dock levelers are used at loading docks to bridge the gap between a loading dock and the bed of a vehicle parked at the loading dock to facilitate the loading or unloading of the vehicle...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0089] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a vertically-storing, top-of-dock leveler. Such devices in accordance with some embodiments of the invention have the advantage of being more economical to install and provide greater environmental and security control than typical pit-style dock levelers, while also having a greater range of operative positions than typical edge-of-dock and top-of-dock levelers.

[0090]FIG. 1 illustrates a dock leveler 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The dock leveler 10 includes a deck assembly 12 pivotally attached to a base assembly 14 and a lock mechanism 24. The deck assembly 12 includes a deck plate 16 supported by side curbs 18, and a pivot shaft 20 attached to the rear end 22 (i.e. the end closest to the base assembly 14 and farthest from the vehicle bed ...