A portable self-centring dock plate and method of use thereof

Abstract

A portable self-centring dock plate is provided for both spanning a gap and adjusting for elevation differences between a truck bed and a loading dock. In one form, the dock plate includes: an elongate planar body having an upper surface and an opposed lower surface extending longitudinally between opposed end edges; and at least one centring member for centring the planar body relative to the gap, said at least one centring member extending centrally and longitudinally at least partially along the lower surface of the elongate planar body, said at least one centring member having at least one pair of opposed sidewalls extending downward from the lower surface and at least partially converging towards each other for interacting with at least one of an edge of the truck bed and an edge of the loading dock to centre the elongate planar body relative thereto.

Description

A PORTABLE SELF-CENTRING DOCK PLATE AND METHOD OF USE THEREOFTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a dock plate for both spanning a gap and adjusting for elevation differences between a truck bed and a loading dock.BACKGROUND

[0002] A loading dock, or loading bay, is an area of a building where goods vehicles are loaded and unloaded. They are commonly found associated with commercial and industrial buildings, and warehouses in particular. The loading dock may be exterior, flush with a building envelope or fully enclosed.

[0003] In use, a truck may typically reverse up to a loading dock to be loaded and / or unloaded. For trucks having a rear tail lift, or liftgate, the tail lift may be used to span a gap between the truck bed and the loading dock when loading and unloading goods. However, for trucks without a rear tail lift, a portable dock board or dock plate is commonly used to span the gap and adjust for elevation differences between the truck bed and the loading dock.

[0004] A problem in general with portable dock boards or dock plates is that they are prone to slipping relative to the gap between a truck bed and a loading dock, particularly when under the weight of handcarts, dollies, fork lift trucks and electric pallet jacks.

[0005] Another problem in general with portable dock boards or dock plates is that they are generally heavy and often transported and placed with the assistance of a fork lift or the like. Consequently, and if not correctly aligned relative to a gap between a truck bed and a loading dock, the misaligned dock board or dock plate can pose a significant safety risk. Moreover, and due to the need to use a forklift or the like to correct the misalignment, workers often deliberately ignore the misalignment and continue to use the misaligned board or plate.

[0006] In order to at least partially address the aforementioned problems, portable dock boards or dock plates with locking T-bar legs that project into the gap between a truck bed and a loading dock to secure the dock board or dock plate relative thereto have been developed.

[0007] However, the applicant has found that such portable dock boards or dock plates are bulky and cumbersome to transport and still prone to being misaligned. Further, and due to the extra steps and time, workers deliberately disregard the locking T-bar legs or overlook locking them in engagement.

[0008] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention provide a portable self-centring dock plate and method of use thereof, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable selfcentring dock plate for spanning a gap between a truck bed and a loading dock, said plate including: an elongate planar body having opposed end edges and an upper surface, an opposed lower surface and opposed side edges extending longitudinally between the opposed end edges; and at least one centring member for centring the planar body relative to the gap, said at least one centring member extending centrally and longitudinally at least partially along the lower surface of the elongate planar body, said at least one centring member having at least one pair of opposed sidewalls extending downward from the lower surface and at least partially converging towards each other for interacting with at least one of an edge of the truck bed and an edge of the loading dock to centre the elongate planar body relative thereto.

[0011] Advantageously, the present invention provides a dock plate that is portable, selfcentres and does not require any complicated locking mechanism for securing in place. Rather, the dock plate by virtue of its at least one centring member readily aligns and secures itself relative to the gap without the need for a locking leg to be manually secured. Moreover, the dock plate can be easily handled and manoeuvred without the need for a fork lift or the like.

[0012] As indicated, the portable self-centring dock plate of the present invention is for spanning a gap and adjusting for elevation differences between a truck bed and a loading dock. It will therefore be convenient to describe the dock plate with reference to this example application. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the dock plate is capable of broader applications to any scenario in which a gap needs to be spanned.

[0013] As used herein, the term “truck bed” may refer to the vehicle bed of the truck atop of which goods may be stored for transport and loaded thereto or unloaded therefrom.

[0014] The truck bed may typically be accessible from a rear of the truck.

[0015] The loading dock may be an area of a building from where goods vehicles are loaded and unloaded. The loading dock may include an elevated platform configured to be substantially at a same height as the truck bed of a truck docked at the loading dock.

[0016] As indicated, the dock plate includes an elongate planar body adapted to span a gap between an outer edge of the truck bed and an outer edge of the loading dock.

[0017] The elongate body may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials, typically metal, preferably aluminium or steel. The elongate body may preferably be fabricated by extrusion.

[0018] The elongate body has a rectangular shape defined by a pair of opposed surfaces interconnected by opposing edges.

[0019] The opposed surfaces include an upper surface and an opposed lower surface. The opposed surfaces may extend substantially parallel to each other, preferably in a substantially planar arrangement.

[0020] The opposing edges include a pair of opposed end edges and a pair of opposed side edges extending longitudinally between the opposed end edges.

[0021] The elongate body may be of any suitable length as defined between the opposed end edges. For example, the body may have a length of about 1 ,000mm, about 1 ,100mm, about 1 ,200mm, about 1 ,300mm, about 1 ,400mm, about 1 ,500mm, about 1 ,600mm, about 1 ,700mm, about 1 ,800mm, about 1 ,900mm, about 2,000mm, about 2,100mm, about 2,200mm, about 2,300mm, about 2,400mm, about 2,500mm, about 2,600mm, about 2,700mm, about 2,800mm, about 2,900mm or even about 3,000mm, typically between about 1 ,500mm and 2,500mm, preferably about 2,000mm.

[0022] Likewise, the elongate body may be of any suitable width as defined between the opposed side edges for spanning a gap. For example, the body may have a width of about200mm, about 210mm, about 220mm, about 230mm, about 240mm, about 250mm, about260mm, about 270mm, about 280mm, about 290mm, about 300mm, about 310mm, about320mm, about 330mm, about 340mm, about 350mm, about 360mm, about 370mm, about380mm, about 390mm, about 400mm, about 410mm, about 420mm, about 430mm, about440mm, about 450mm, about 460mm, about 470mm, about 480mm, about 490mm, or even about 500mm, typically between about 250mm and about 400mm, preferably about 300mm.

[0023] The elongate body may be of any suitable thickness as defined between the opposed surfaces. For example, the body may have a thickness of about 3mm, about 3.5mm, about 4mm, about 4.5mm, about 5mm, about 5.5mm, about 6mm, about 6.5mm, about 7mm, about 7.5mm, about 8mm, about 8.5mm, about 9mm, about 9.5mm or even about 10mm, typically between about 3.5mm and about 7mm, preferably 4.5mm.

[0024] In use, a portion of each side edge of the elongate body may be intended to at least partially overlap an edge of the truck bed and an edge of the loading dock defining the gap.

[0025] In some embodiments, the elongate body may include rounded, tapered or chamfered edges, particularly on the opposed side edges.

[0026] In some embodiments, the elongate body may include rounded corners between the adjacent side and end edges.

[0027] In some embodiments, the upper surface of the elongate body may include a liner or coating on at least a portion to provide grip or traction.

[0028] In other embodiments, the upper surface of the elongate body may include a textured tread to provide grip. The textured tread may include beading and / or ribs.

[0029] In yet other embodiments, the upper surface of the elongate body may have a textured pattern embossed to increase traction, such as, e.g., a diamond pattern.

[0030] In some embodiments, the elongate body may further include a liner or coating or textured tread on a lower surface at or near the side edges for gripping overlapped adjacent edges of the truck bed and the loading dock defining the gap.

[0031] As indicated, the dock plate includes at least one centring member for centring the planar body relative to the gap.

[0032] The at least one centring member may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials.

[0033] The centring member may be of unitary or separate construction with the elongate planar body, preferably the latter. The centring member may be formed of metal, plastic, rubber or foam material or materials, typically a resiliently deformable material such as, e.g., plastic, rubber or foam material or materials, preferably a closed cell foam, more preferably a highly resilient deformable foam, such as, e.g., EN40-230CM5 foam.

[0034] Advantageously, by being formed from a resiliently deformable material, the at leastone centring member is able to deform if at least partially overlapping an edge of the gap to thereby adjust for elevation differences between the truck bed and the loading dock and yet be resilient enough to interact with the edge for centring the elongate planar body relative thereto.

[0035] Generally, the at least one centring member may extend centrally and longitudinally at least partially along the lower surface of the elongate planar body and may have at least one pair of opposed sidewalls extending downwardly from the lower surface and at least partially converging towards each other for interacting with at least one edge of the truck bed and the loading dock to centre the elongate planar body relative thereto. Each of the opposed sidewalls may be adapted to engage with, and slide relative to, an edge of the gap to centre the body.

[0036] In some embodiments, the at least one centring member may have a substantially inverted U-shaped profile when viewed in cross section: a central portion and a pair of opposed sidewalls extending downwardly from the central portion and converging at least partially towards each other.

[0037] Typically, the central portion may abut against the lower surface of the planar body and the opposed sidewalls may extend towards each other from opposed outer side edges of the elongate planar body at an acute angle.

[0038] In other embodiments, the at least one centring member may include a trapezoidal prism, preferably an isosceles trapezoidal prism.

[0039] The prism may include a large base surface abutting against the lower surface of the body, an opposed small surface extending parallel to the large base surface and the opposed sidewalls extending therebetween and at least partially converging as they extend to the small base surface.

[0040] In yet other embodiments, the at least one centring member may include a triangular prism having a base surface abutting against the lower surface of the body and a pair of opposed sidewalls extending from outer sides of the base surface and converging together at an edge opposite the base surface.

[0041] In some embodiments, the at least one centring member may include more than one centring member. For example, the dock plate may include two, three, four, or even five centring members arranged across and / or along the lower surface of the elongate planar body.

[0042] The at least one centring member and the elongate planar body may be connected or fastened together in any suitable way.

[0043] For example, in some embodiments, the elongate planar body and the at least one centring member may connect together by a connecting mechanism or part thereof. The connecting mechanism or parts thereof may or may not be of integral formation with the lower surface of the elongate planar body and the at least one centring member.

[0044] The connecting mechanism may include a first part associated with the lower surface of the elongate planar body and a second part connectable to the first part and associated with a base wall interconnecting the opposed sidewalls of the at least one centring member.

[0045] The connecting mechanism may include mateable male and female formations that couple together, such as, e.g., a threaded connection, an interference (snap-fit) type connection or a hook-and-loop type connection.

[0046] In some such embodiments, the first part of the connecting mechanism may include a male formation configured to be at least partially inserted into, or coupled with, a female formation of the second part of the connecting mechanism.

[0047] Conversely, in other such embodiments, the first part of the connecting mechanism may include a female formation configured to at least partially receive, or couple with, a male formation of the second part of the connecting mechanism.

[0048] In some embodiments, the at least one centring member may be fastened to the lower surface of the elongate planar body with one or more fasteners, such as, e.g., one or more mechanical and / or chemical fasteners.

[0049] The one or more mechanical fasteners may include a threaded fastener or the like configured to extend through a part or portion of the at least one centring member and into the elongate planar body for fastening the at least one centring member to the elongate planar body.

[0050] The one or more chemical fasteners may include a wet adhesive, a dry adhesive and / or double-sided adhesive tape extending between the lower surface of the elongate planar body and the at least one centring member.

[0051] In yet other embodiments, the at least one centring member and the elongate planar body may be fastened together by one or more loops, straps or the like extending about at least one centring member and the elongate planar body.

[0052] In further embodiments, the at least one centring member and the elongate planar body may be fastened together by a hook-and-loop type fastening system. For example, one of the lower surface of the elongate planar body and the at least one centring member may includeone or more hook fastener portions mounted, fastened or adhered thereon and the other of the lower surface of the elongate planar body and the at least one centring member may include one or more loop fastener portions mounted, fastened or adhered thereon and configured to releasably fasten to the one or more hook fastener portions.

[0053] In some preferred embodiments, the lower surface of the elongate planar body may further include a ridge protruding along or near a midline of the elongate planar body and extending at least partially between the opposed ends and the at least one centring member may include a groove configured to at least partially receive the ridge for connecting the at least one centring member to the elongate planar body.

[0054] In such embodiments, the ridge may be a profiled ridge and the groove may be a shaped groove configured to slide onto the profiled ridge but not be laterally separable.

[0055] In other preferred embodiments, the lower surface of the elongate planar body may include a ridge protruding outwardly along or near the midline of the elongate planar body and extending at least partially between the opposed ends of the body and the at least one centring member may include a pair of opposed triangular prisms configured to be mounted, fastened or connected to each side of the ridge.

[0056] Typically, the ridge may protrude outwardly from a midline of the lower surface of the elongate planar body to an outer edge.

[0057] The ridge may protrude outwardly any suitable distance. The ridge may protrude outwardly a uniform distance or may taper in one or more portions along its length, preferably the former.

[0058] The ridge may protrude outwardly from the lower surface a distance of about 15mm, about 20mm, about 25mm, about 30mm, about 35mm, about 40mm, about 45mm, about 50mm, about 55mm, about 60mm, about 65mm, about 70mm, about 75mm, about 80mm, about 85mm, about 90mm, about 95mm, about 100mm, about 105mm, about 110mm, about 115mm, about 120mm, about 125mm, about 130mm, about 135mm, about 140mm, about 145mm, about 150mm, about 155mm, about 160mm, about 165mm, about 170mm, about 175mm, about 180mm, about 185mm, about 190mm, about 195mm or even about 200mm or more. Typically, the ridge may protrude to a distance ranging from about 50mm to about 100mm, preferably about 70.5mm.

[0059] The ridge may preferably be of unitary construction with the elongate planar body. The ridge may be of a similar thickness to the elongate planar body.

[0060] In such embodiments, each triangular prism may include a base wall abutting against the lower surface of the elongate planar body, a centre wall extending orthogonally outward relative to the base wall and abutting against a side of the ridge and an angled sidewall extending between the outer ends of the base wall and the centre wall.

[0061] The base wall may extend any suitable distance out from the ridge. For example, the base wall may extend about 30mm, about 35mm, about 40mm, about 45mm, about 50mm, about 55mm, about 60mm, about 65mm, about 70mm, about 75mm, about 80mm, about 85mm, about 90mm, about 95mm, or even about 100mm, typically from about 40mm to about 60mm, preferably about 50mm.

[0062] Likewise, the centre wall may extend any suitable distance out from the lower surface of the elongate planar body. For example, the centre wall may extend a distance of about 15mm, about 20mm, about 25mm, about 30mm, about 35mm, about 40mm, about 45mm, about 50mm, about 55mm, about 60mm, about 65mm, about 70mm, about 75mm, about 80mm, about 85mm, about 90mm, about 95mm or even about 100mm, typically from about 50mm to about 90mm, preferably about 70.5mm, more preferably about the same distance that the ridge protrudes outwards from the lower surface.

[0063] In some embodiments, the dock plate may further include an enclosure for at least partially enclosing the elongate planar body and the at least one centring member, preferably entirely enclosing.

[0064] The enclosure may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials, typically a fabric material, preferably durable reinforced fabric material or materials, such as, e.g., a PVC coated polyester material.

[0065] Advantageously, the enclosure may protect the elongate planar body and the at least one centring member from general wear and tear and enable ergonomic handling of the plate.

[0066] Generally, the enclosure may be configured to snugly enclose the elongate planar body and the at least one centring member, preferably such that the enclosure or at least a portion thereof is held taut over the at least one centring member and the opposed side edges of the elongate planar body.

[0067] Advantageously, the enclosure stretched taut over the lower surface of the plate may enhance the centring effect of the at least one centring member.

[0068] In some embodiments, the enclosure may include one or more access panels for accessing the elongate planar body and the at least one centring member. The access panelmay include a releasable fastener for fastening the access panel closed. The releasable fastener may include one or more clasps or buttons, a hook-and-loop type fastener or zipper for example.

[0069] In some embodiments, the enclosure may further include one or more indicia or markings on the external surface. For example, the enclosure may include markings extending along the upper surface along the opposed side edges.

[0070] In some such embodiments, the markings may be a highly visible colour, such as, e.g., orange.

[0071] In other such embodiments, the markings may be reflective.

[0072] In some embodiments, the upper surface of the enclosure, or at least a portion thereof, may include a liner or coating to provide grip or traction.

[0073] In some embodiments, the lower surface of the enclosure may include a liner or coating to provide grip or traction, typically at least the side edge portions for gripping overlapped adjacent edges of the truck bed and the loading dock defining the gap.

[0074] In some embodiments, the enclosure may further include one or more handle portions on an external surface to assist in handling the dock plate.

[0075] The one or more handle portions may be of any suitable size, shape and construction.

[0076] Typically, the handle portions may include at least a pair of webbed straps stitched to the external surface of the enclosure on an upper surface of the dock plate.

[0077] In preferred such embodiments, the webbed straps may extend across the upper surface of the plate in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the plate, preferably midway between a centre and each said outer end edge of the plate.

[0078] In some embodiments, the enclosure may further include an identification label or a pocket for a label on the upper surface of the enclosure.

[0079] In some embodiments, the enclosure may further include one or more hook-and- loop patches located on an upper surface of the plate to assist in stowage of the plate when not being used.

[0080] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a methodof spanning and adjusting for elevation differences between a truck bed and a loading dock with the portable self-centring dock plate according to the first aspect, said method including: placing the dock plate over the gap such that the dock plate extends longitudinally over the gap and the at least one pair of opposed sidewalls of the at least one centring member interact with at least one of an edge of the truck bed and an edge of the loading dock to centre the dock plate relative thereto.

[0081] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0082] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0083] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0084] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a portable self-centring dock plate according to an embodiment of the present invention with contents of an enclosure partially removed;

[0085] Figure 2 is another upper perspective view of the dock plate shown in Figure 1 but fully enclosed;

[0086] Figure 3 is a schematic showing use of the portable self-centring dock plate as shown in Figures 1 and 2;

[0087] Figure 4 is an end view showing a profile shape of an elongate planar body of the dock plate; and

[0088] Figure 5 is an end view of the portable self-centring dock plate as shown in Figures 1 and 2.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0089] Figures 1 to 5 show a portable self-centring dock plate (100) or parts thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention for spanning a gap (900; shown in Figure3) and adjusting for elevation differences between a truck bed (800; shown in Figure 3) and a loading dock (700; shown in Figure 3).

[0090] Referring to Figure 1 , the portable self-centring dock plate (100) includes an elongate planar body (110) having an upper surface (112), an opposed lower surface (114) and a ridge (120; not visible) protruding downward along a midline of the elongate planar body (110) and extending longitudinally along the elongate planar body (110); a pair of triangular prisms (130; i.e., at least one centring member) mounted to each side of the ridge (120; not visible) and configured to centre the elongate planar body (110) and the dock plate (100) relative to a gap (900; shown in Figure 3); and an enclosure (140) for entirely enclosing the elongate planar body (110) and the pair of triangular prisms (130).

[0091] Referring to Figure 3, and as indicated, the dock plate (100) is for spanning a gap (900) defined between an edge (810) of a truck bed (800) and an edge (710) of a loading dock (700) and adjusting for elevation differences between the truck bed (800) and the loading dock (700), when a truck (820) is loading / unloading at the loading dock (700).

[0092] In use, a portion of each side edge of the dock plate (100) is intended to at least partially overlap the edges (810, 710) of the truck bed (800) and the loading dock (700) defining the gap (900).

[0093] Referring to Figure 4, the elongate planar body (110) is formed from aluminium and fabricated by extrusion.

[0094] The elongate body (110) has a rectangular shape defined by a pair of opposed surfaces interconnected by opposing edges.

[0095] The opposed surfaces include the upper surface (112) and the opposed lower surface (114). The opposed surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other in a substantially planar arrangement.

[0096] The opposing edges include a pair of opposed end edges (116) and a pair of opposed side edges (118) extending longitudinally between the opposed end edges (116).

[0097] The elongate body (110) has a length of about 2,000mm; a width of about 300mm; and thickness, as defined between the opposed surfaces, of about 4.5mm.

[0098] As shown, the ridge (120) protrudes downward along a midline of the elongate planar body (110) and extending longitudinally between the opposed end edges (116).

[0099] The ridge (120) orthogonally protrudes from the lower surface (114) of the body (110) a distance of about 70.5mm to a distal ridge edge (122).

[0100] The elongate body (110) includes rounded edges and rounded corners between the adjacent side and end edges (116, 118).

[0101] Referring back to Figure 1 , the pair of triangular prisms (130) mounted to each side of the ridge (120; not visible) are formed from a resiliently deformable foam (EN40-230CM5 foam) so as to be at least partially deformable if partially overlapping one of the edges (810, 710; not shown) defining the gap (900; not shown) and yet be resilient enough to interact with the edges (810, 710; not shown) for centring the elongate planar body (110) and the dock plate (100) relative thereto.

[0102] Each triangular prism (130) includes a base wall (132) for abutting against the lower surface (114) of the elongate planar body (110), a centre wall (134) extending orthogonally outward relative to the base wall (132) and for abutting against a side of the ridge (120) and an angled sidewall (136) extending between the outer ends of the base wall (132) and the centre wall (134).

[0103] The base wall (132) extends a distance of about 50mm out from the ridge (120).

[0104] Likewise, the centre wall (134) extends the height of the ridge (120).

[0105] In use, each of the angled sidewalls (136) of the triangular prisms (130) serves to centre the dock plate (100) relative to a gap (900; not shown) by sliding relative to the edges (810, 710; not shown) defining the gap (900; not shown) and urging the dock plate (100) away from an edge (810, 710; not shown) that is too close, or overlapping with the angled sidewalls (136).

[0106] The triangular prisms (130) extend a length of the dock plate (100).

[0107] The triangular prisms (130) are fastened to the lower surface (114) of the elongate body (110) and the ridge (120) with a wet adhesive.

[0108] As indicated, the dock plate (100) further includes an enclosure (140) entirely enclosing the elongate planar body (110) and the pair of triangular prisms (130).

[0109] Referring to Figure 2, the enclosure (140) is formed from a durable reinforced fabric material (a PVC coated polyester material). The enclosure (140) protects the elongate planar body (110) and the pair of triangular prisms (130) from general wear and tear and enablesergonomic handling of the plate (100).

[0110] Referring briefly to Figure 5, the enclosure (140) is configured to snugly enclose the elongate planar body (110) and the pair of triangular prisms (130) such that the enclosure (140) is held taut over the pair of triangular prisms (130), the ridge (120) and the opposed side edges (118) of the elongate planar body (110).

[0111] Advantageously, stretching the enclosure (140) taut over the lower surface (114) of the plate (100) enhances the centring effect by causing the stretch taut layer of enclosure (140) to dually function as a centring member that can interact with and slide relative to edges (810, 710; not shown) of the loading dock (700; not shown) and / or truck bed (800; not shown) defining the gap (900; not shown).

[0112] Referring back to Figure 2, the enclosure (140) includes an access panel (142) for accessing the elongate planar body (110; not visible) and the triangular prisms (130; not visible). The access panel (142) includes a hook-and-loop fastening system for releasably fastening the panel (142) closed.

[0113] The enclosure (140) further includes visible edge markings (144) extending along each side edge. The visible edge markings (144) are in a highly visible colour, such as, e.g., orange.

[0114] The enclosure (140) further includes handles (150) stitched on an upper surface of the plate (100) for handling the plate (100).

[0115] The handles (150) include webbed straps stitched to an external surface of the enclosure (140) and are located midway between a centre and each outer end edge of the plate (100).

[0116] The enclosure (140) includes an identification label or pocket for a label (146).

[0117] Lastly, the enclosure (140) includes a pair of hook-and-loop fastener patches (148) located on an upper surface of the plate near an end edge to assist in tying the plate (100) down when being stowed.

[0118] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0119] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0120] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A portable self-centring dock plate for spanning a gap between a truck bed and a loading dock, said plate including: an elongate planar body having opposed end edges and an upper surface, an opposed lower surface and opposed side edges extending longitudinally between the opposed end edges; and at least one centring member for centring the planar body relative to the gap, said at least one centring member extending centrally and longitudinally at least partially along the lower surface of the elongate planar body, said at least one centring member having at least one pair of opposed sidewalls extending downward from the lower surface and at least partially converging towards each other for interacting with at least one of an edge of the truck bed and an edge of the loading dock to centre the elongate planar body relative thereto.

2. The plate of claim 1 , wherein the at least one centring member is of separate construction to the elongate planar body.

3. The plate of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one centring member is formed from a resilient deformable foam.

4. The plate of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one centring member has a substantially inverted U-shaped profile.

5. The plate of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one centring member includes an isosceles trapezoidal prism shape.

6. The plate of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one centring member includes a triangular prism having a base surface abutting the lower surface of the elongate planar body, and a pair of opposed sidewalls extending from outer sides of the base surface and converging together at an edge opposite the base surface.

7. The plate of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lower surface of the elongate planar body includes a ridge protruding along or near a midline of the elongate planar body and extending at least partially between the opposed end edges and wherein said at least one centring member includes a groove configured to at least partially receive the ridge therein for connecting the at least one centring member to the elongate planar body.

8. The plate of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lower surface of the elongate planar body includes a ridge protruding along or near a midline of the elongate planar body and extending at least partially between the opposed end edges and wherein the at least one centringmember includes two triangular prisms positioned on opposing sides of the ridge.

9. The plate of claim 8, wherein each of the two triangular prisms includes a base wall abutting against the lower surface of the elongate planar body, a centre wall extending orthogonally outwardly relative to the base wall and abutting against a side of the ridge and an angled sidewall extending between the outer ends of the base wall and the centre wall.

10. The plate of any one of claims 1 to 9, further including an enclosure for at least partially enclosing the elongate planar body and the at least one centring member.

11. The plate of claim 10, wherein the enclosure is configured to snugly enclose the elongate planar body and the at least one centring member such that the enclosure or at least a portion thereof is held taut over the at least one centring member and the opposed side edges of the elongate planar body.

12. The plate of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the enclosure includes one or more access panels for accessing the elongate planar body and the at least one centring member.

13. The plate of claim 12, wherein the one or more access panels include releasable fasteners for fastening the access panels closed.

14. The plate of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the enclosure further includes one or more indicia or markings on an external surface.

15. The plate of claim 14, wherein the markings include a highly visible colour.

16. The plate of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the markings are reflective.

17. The plate of any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein at least an upper surface of the enclosure includes a liner or coating applied thereon to provide grip or traction.

18. The plate of any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein at least a lower surface of the enclosure includes a liner or coating applied thereon for gripping overlapped adjacent edges of the truck bed and the loading dock defining the gap.

19. The plate of any one of claims 10 to 18, wherein the enclosure further includes one or more handle portions on an external surface to assist in handling the dock plate.

20. A method of spanning and adjusting for elevation differences between a truck bed and a loading dock with the portable self-centring dock plate according to any one of claims 1 to 19, said method including:placing the dock plate over the gap such that the dock plate extends longitudinally over the gap and the at least one pair of opposed sidewalls of the at least one centring member interact with at least one of an edge of the truck bed and an edge of the loading dock to centre the dock plate relative thereto.

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