Pivotal and translational dock leveler lip

US6880301B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Rite-Hite Holding Corporation · US

Inventors

• Norbert Hahn · Franklin, US
• Reinhard E. Sander · Weißenohe, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 6, 2001
• Grant date: Apr 19, 2005
• Expiry date: Mar 6, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G69/2835
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A dock leveler, for bridging the gap between a loading dock platform and a vehicle at the dock, includes an adjustably overlapping lip and ramp that provide a traffic surface of variable length to accommodate situations where there is only a limited amount of space for the lip to rest on the rear of the vehicle. The lip pivots and translates from a stored, pendant orientation to an operative orientation with a range of extended positions. In the stored position, one edge of the lip protrudes above the deck to inhibit material handling equipment from accidentally driving over the edge of the deck when a vehicle is not parked adjacent the dock leveler.