Vertically-storing dock leveler apparatus and method
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A dock leveler comprising:
- a support structure configured to be mounted to a top surface of a loading dock;
a deck assembly pivotally connected to the support structure by a pivot shaft located above the top surface of the loading dock, the deck assembly having a top surface;
a ramp defining a transition surface between the top surface of the loading dock and the deck assembly top surface, the ramp attached to the support structure and ending substantially at one end of the deck assembly; and
a spring configured to counterbalance the deck assembly.
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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.
38 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A dock leveler comprising:
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a support structure configured to be mounted to a top surface of a loading dock; a deck assembly pivotally connected to the support structure by a pivot shaft located above the top surface of the loading dock, the deck assembly having a top surface; a ramp defining a transition surface between the top surface of the loading dock and the deck assembly top surface, the ramp attached to the support structure and ending substantially at one end of the deck assembly; and a spring configured to counterbalance the deck assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification