Dock leveler safety supports

US9546056B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Rite-Hite Holding Corporation · US

Inventors

• Bradley J. Stone · Port Washington, US
• David Holm · Idaho Falls, US
• Leonard Kikstra · Sparta, US
• Matthew Sveum · Wauwatosa, US
• Norbert Hahn · Franklin, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 22, 2016
• Grant date: Jan 17, 2017
• Expiry date: Jun 22, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G69/2876
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Dock leveler safety supports are disclosed herein. An example dock leveler disclosed herein includes a deck movable relative to a platform between a raised position and a lowered cross-traffic position when the dock leveler is in a working configuration. The deck to be inhibited from descending toward the lowered cross-traffic position when the dock leveler is in a service configuration. A first deck obstruction is movable relative to the deck between a secured position and an unrestrained position. The first deck obstruction in the secured position configures the dock leveler in the service configuration. The first deck obstruction in the unrestrained position configures the dock leveler in the working configuration. The first deck obstruction in the secured position to block movement of the deck toward the lowered cross-traffic position and the first deck obstruction in the unrestrained position to permit movement of the deck toward the lowered cross-traffic position. A first connector to couple the first deck obstruction to an obstruction actuator. The first connector including a rod, a sleeve to telescopically receive the rod, and a spring held in compression between the rod an…