Fan-powered edge-of-dock leveler
US6240587A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 5, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 9, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G69/2823
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An edge-of-dock leveler includes a deck plate hingedly interconnected to a dock, a lip plate hingedly interconnected to the deck plate, an air pan mounted on the face of the dock to allow the air pan to rotate with respect to the dock, and a blower mounted on the air pan. The blower inflates an air bag that causes the air pan to rotate away from the dock face. A deck plate bearing is provided between the air pan and the deck plate, and causes the deck plate to rotate with the air pan. A locking arm hangs pendant from the lip plate until the deck plate has raised to a fully raised position, at which time the locking arm engages a bearing. The blower is turned off, allowing the air to escape the air bag, and the lip plate to extend as the air bag deflates.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.