Edge-of-dock leveler
US5450643A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 4, 1993 |
| Grant date | Sep 19, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 4, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G69/2823
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An edge-of-dock leveler incorporating an inflatable lift bag. The leveler includes a frame mounted on the front face of the dock and the rear edge of a deck plate is hinged to the frame, while a lip is hinged to the forward edge of the deck plate. In the storage position, the deck plate is generally horizontal while the lip hangs downwardly in a pendant position. The frame includes a fixed pressure member and a movable pressure member is hinged to an edge of the fixed pressure member. A link interconnects the movable pressure member with the deck plate. An inflatable, flexible bag is located between the pressure members and by inflating the bag, the deck plate is pivoted from the horizontal position to the substantially vertical position. By deflating the bag, the deck plate will descend by gravity and the forward edge of the lip will move in a generally curved path into engagement with the bed of a truck parked in front of the loading dock.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.