Vehicle-activated safety leg control system for a dock leveler assembly
US5440772A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 23, 1993 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G69/2882
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle-activated support assembly control system is provided which comprises a sensor assembly which senses the position of the vehicle relative to the dock leveler and an actuation assembly which is operatively connected to the support assembly so as to actuate or maintain the support assembly in a retracted position in response to the position of the vehicle. The actuation assembly is adapted to automatically position the support assembly between (1) a retracted or non-supporting position when the vehicle is in close proximity to the loading dock and (2) an active supporting position when the vehicle is greater than a predetermined distance from the loading dock. The control assembly is adapted to activate the support assembly and move the support assembly to the active supporting position as the vehicle pulls away from the dock leveler but before the lip loses contact with the vehicle. The control system deactivates the support assembly when the lip is safely supported on the vehicle bed or is within a predetermined distance in which the lip is capable of engaging the vehicle bed. The control system permits the support assembly to be in the active supporting position when the…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.