Dock leveler having a ramp movable to a raised position by inflation of an inflatable member, with a filler for occupying volume within the inflatable member
US5522108A · kind A · utility
22Cited by
21References
18Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G69/2817
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A dock leveler including a ramp is movable to a raised position by inflation of an inflatable member, such as an air bag assembly. One or more filler members are located within an internal cavity defined by the air bag assembly, to occupy void volume therein. The filler members expedite inflation of the bag assembly when an inflating device is operated to introduce air under pressure into the bag assembly. The filler members also function to maintain the bag assembly in an engaged condition with the underside of the ramp, and to prevent the air bag assembly from fully collapsing in order to prolong bag life.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.