Dock leveler
US9944475B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 6, 2017 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 6, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G69/2876
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A dock leveler for an edge of a loading dock which includes a frame, a two-piece lip, a lift assist spring and an assist bar. The lift assist spring is connected on a first end to the bottom side of the lip at the pivot point and connected on a second end to the frame. The assist bar is used to move the lip between the extended/engaged and retracted/disengaged positions. By attaching the lip assist spring to the bottom of the distal lip portion, the force exerted on the lip causes it to maintain closure at the pivot point between the distal and proximal lip portions when in the extended/engaged position. Additionally, the distance between the lift assist spring and lip is minimized thereby dampening a fall distance when the lip becomes unsupported by a truck trailer; and the amount of force needed to actuate the assist bar is minimized.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.