GB2324199A

GB2324199A - Vehicle detection buffer device

Info

Publication number: GB2324199A
Application number: GB9707062A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Gore
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-04-07
Filing date: 1997-04-07
Publication date: 1998-10-14
Also published as: GB9707062D0

Abstract

A vehicle detection buffer device comprises a composite rubber buffer 1 mounted on a steel plate 2 which is hinged at its lower end 3 within a steel box 4 so that the weight of the buffer 1 causes the buffer plate 2 to tilt forward against a stop 5 on the front of the box 4. As a vehicle reverses into the buffer 1, the plate 2 tilts back against stops 9 in the box 4 and actuates a switch 6 mounted in the box 4. The switch 6 is deactuated when the vehicle moves off the buffer. The switch can be used to operate a variety of loading dock equipment.

Description

VEHICLE DETECTION BUFFER This invention relates to a vehicle detection buffer Vehicle or dock buffers are well known for cushioning the impact of a reversing lony into a loading dock & various detection systems such as magnetic ground loop detectors & optical proximity sensors for detecting a lorry parked on the loading dock are well known, however detection systems are relatively vague in operation due to the variance in vehicle size & build.

According to the present invention there is provided a composite rubber vehicle buffer mounted on the front of a hinged steel plate which is hinged within a steel box mounted on a loading dock wall in the standard position for vehicle buffers.the hinge to the steel plate is positioned at the lower rear edge thus allowing the weight of the buffer to cause the steel plate to tilt forward against a stop on the front of the steel box. Mounted on the rear face of the steel box is an electrical position switch.

When a vehicle backs up against the buffer the plate tilts back against the rear stops thus operating the position switch which may be linked to automatically operate a variety of loading dock equipment such as loading dock doors,dock leveilers,lights,ir.flatable seals & various visual & audible safety systems.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1. shows in perspective the buffer mounted on the hinged steel plate housed within the steel box with the buffer tilted forward in its normal position Figure 2. shows in a side elevation cross section the buffer tilted forward in its normal position with the position switch behind it.

Figure 3. Shows in a side elevation cross section the position of the buffer & position switch when a vehicle has reversed against the buffer.

Referring to the drawing the vehicle detection buffer comprises of a composite rubber buffer 1. mounted on a steel plate 2. to the bottom rear of which is welded a hinge 3. which is mounted in a steel box 4.

Mounted on the back face of the steel box 4. is an electrical position switch 6. which has a spring retum actuating am 7. resting against the rear of the plate 2.

The box 4. is mounted in such a position on a loading dock that a reversing vehicle will stop against it When there is no vehicle present the weight of the buffer 1. causes the plate 2. to fall forward against a stop 5.

As a reversing vehicle comes into contact with the buffer 1. it moves in the direction of the arrow 8. until the plate 2. comes in contact with the stops 9. at the same time the spring retum actuating am 7. is pushed back, thus operating the position switch 6. which will activate any such equipment that may be connected to it.

When the vehicle moves forward off the loading dock the reverse sequence applies, which reverse sequence may also be used to detect vehicle creep

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A vehicle detection buffer comprising of a composite rubber buffer mounted on a steel plate with a hinge to bottom rear of the plate fixed within a steel box. The weight of the buffer causing the plate to tilt forward against a stop on the front of the steel box. An electrical position switch mounted in the steel box behind the buffer plate will be actuated when a reversing vehicle comes into contact with the buffer causing it to tilt back against stops on the rear of the steel box
2. A vehicle detection buffer as claimed in claim 1. whereby an electrical position switch will be actuated by a vehicle, previously located against the buffer, moving away from the buffer causing the hinged plate to tilt forward against a stop on the front of the steel box
3. A vehicle detection buffer substantially described herein with reference to figures 1-3 of the accompanying drawings