Face panels for loading dock seals and shelters
US8915029B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 2012 |
| Grant date | Dec 23, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 25, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE04B1/66
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Example flexible face panels for dock shelters and dock seals at a loading dock include a tip seal and/or an air-filled blister or elongate “bubble” that sealingly conforms to a rear portion of a vehicle (e.g., truck, trailer, etc.) at the dock. In some examples, an air chamber within the blister is open at one or both ends. This prevents otherwise trapped pressurized air from adversely affecting the blister's compliance or its ability to sealingly conform to irregular surfaces of the vehicle. In some examples, as the vehicle backs into and deflects the face panel, the blister distorts and wraps itself around the vehicle's surface irregularities, such as door hardware and protruding lights. In some examples, the face panel's tip seal includes an overlapping seal flap, wherein a series of slits in the tip seal allow the seal to fit over the vehicle's various surface irregularities.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.