Dock leveler operating apparatus
US5214818A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 16, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 16, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G69/2841
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for operating a dock leveler including a linkage pivotally connected at a first end to the base plate. The second end of the linkage is adapted to selectively engage the center plate at times when the center plate is pivoted from its forward position toward its rearward position. Preferably, a roller is provided on the second end of the linkage and a cam member is mounted on the underside of the center plate in alignment with the path of the roller, such that the roller travels along the cam member to reduce the force required to operate the center plate pivoting means. A lever tube is rigidly connected to the second end of the linkage and is adapted to hold an operating lever. The operating lever is in a substantially vertical orientation at times when the center plate is in the stored and bridging positions. When the center plate is in the retracted position, the operating lever is adapted to be in a position that is easily reachable by the operator with only a minimal degree of bending required.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.