Vehicle-actuated weather barrier apparatus

US9797128B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Rite-Hite Holding Corporation · US

Inventors

• Charles Digmann · Dubuque, US
• Leif Kniese · Berlin, DE
• Rudolf Bannasch · Berlin, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 2, 2015
• Grant date: Oct 24, 2017
• Expiry date: Sep 2, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC E): Fixed Constructions
• CPC primary: E04H15/58
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Example weather barrier apparatus are disclosed herein. An example weather barrier apparatus includes a mount to couple to a wall of a loading dock and a seal coupled to the mount. The seal includes an outer flexible sheet having a first end and a second end. The seal includes an inner flexible sheet having a third end and a fourth end. The third end of the inner flexible sheet couples to the first end of the outer flexible sheet and the fourth end of the inner flexible sheet couples to the second end of the outer flexible sheet. The inner flexible sheet provides an edge seal and a surface seal. The edge seal engages a rearward facing edge of a vehicle and the surface seal engages surface panel of the vehicle when the vehicle is in engagement with the seal. A guide movably couples the outer flexible sheet and the inner flexible sheet. The guide is positioned between the respective ends of the inner and outer flexible sheets. The guide spaces apart a portion of the inner flexible sheet from a portion of the outer flexible sheet. The inner flexible sheet, the outer flexible sheet and the guide are to move between a first position and a second position in response to a force imparted …