GB1035263A - Adjustable dockboard - Google Patents

Abstract

1,035,263. Loading dock. KELLEY CO. Inc. May 5, 1964, No. 18614/64. Heading B8E. An adjustable loading dock installation comprises a pivoted loading deck biased to a raised position and provided with means to raise an extension lip towards an operative position as the deck rises, to support the deck on struts or legs in a cross traffic position, to prevent accidental depression of the deck from a below dock level position and to prevent depression of the deck to gain access to the building under its door without first raising the deck. A ramp structure 12 having a deck 16 is pivoted at its rear end to a fixed structure 5 normally housed in a pit in the loading dock. Springs 25 through a lever arm 26 and cam plate 28 bias the deck to a raised position while a hold-down device 29 allows rods 30, 31 to move together but by a clutch device 33 prevents them separating and thus allowing the deck to rise. The clutch 33 may be released by a cable 35 connected to a releasing arm 34. As the deck rises a lifter 36 for a lip extension 18, by its cable connection 38 to the structure 5, raises the lip until a holding arm 39 engages it. The holding arm is released as the deck is lowered to its operative position with the lip resting on the vehicle platform. To support the deck in a cross traffic position legs 40 engage posts 41. When the lip is in an inoperative pendant position the legs 40 are biased to engage the posts 41 but they are forced to an inoperative position by engagement of abutments 46 with arms 44. When the lip is raised the deck can be lowered to an operative position below dock level when required and to prevent further accidental lowering of a deck when the vehicle leaves removing support from the lip the legs 40 are then forced against the posts 41 so that the abutments 47 become engaged therewith preventing any further depression. A modified connection between the lip and leg strut engagement mechanism, additional abutments on the legs to prevent depression of the dock from a raised position, and means to prevent disengagement of the legs and struts and depression of the dock to gain access to the building without prior raising of the deck are described.