Vertically-storing dock leveler apparatus and method
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A lip assembly for pivoting a lip about a deck assembly of a vertical storing dock leveler comprising:
- a lip pivotally connected to the deck assembly and movable between a pendant position generally perpendicular to the deck assembly and an extended position generally parallel to the deck assembly;
a latch link pivotally connected to the lip at one end of the latch link and the other end of the latch link having at least one engaging surface;
a crank arm connected to the latch link at one end of the crank arm and another end of the crank arm is connected to the deck assembly; and
biasing means configured to urge the crank arm to urge the latch link to urge the lip to the extended position.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
42 Citations
10 Claims
-
1. A lip assembly for pivoting a lip about a deck assembly of a vertical storing dock leveler comprising:
-
a lip pivotally connected to the deck assembly and movable between a pendant position generally perpendicular to the deck assembly and an extended position generally parallel to the deck assembly; a latch link pivotally connected to the lip at one end of the latch link and the other end of the latch link having at least one engaging surface; a crank arm connected to the latch link at one end of the crank arm and another end of the crank arm is connected to the deck assembly; and biasing means configured to urge the crank arm to urge the latch link to urge the lip to the extended position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
-
-
5. A method of operating a dock leveler comprising:
-
inserting a lip actuator into a lip actuator receiver; rotating the lip by rotating the lip actuator; and lowering a dock leveler from a substantially vertical position. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
Specification