US20150059105A1 - Shields or seals to shelter an area underneath a dock leveler - Google Patents
Shields or seals to shelter an area underneath a dock leveler Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150059105A1 US20150059105A1 US14/322,592 US201414322592A US2015059105A1 US 20150059105 A1 US20150059105 A1 US 20150059105A1 US 201414322592 A US201414322592 A US 201414322592A US 2015059105 A1 US2015059105 A1 US 2015059105A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- shield
- sheet
- weather shield
- weather
- segment
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G69/00—Auxiliary measures taken, or devices used, in connection with loading or unloading
- B65G69/28—Loading ramps; Loading docks
- B65G69/287—Constructional features of deck or surround
- B65G69/2876—Safety or protection means, e.g. skirts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G69/00—Auxiliary measures taken, or devices used, in connection with loading or unloading
- B65G69/28—Loading ramps; Loading docks
- B65G69/2805—Loading ramps; Loading docks permanently installed on the dock
- B65G69/2811—Loading ramps; Loading docks permanently installed on the dock pivoting ramps
- B65G69/2817—Loading ramps; Loading docks permanently installed on the dock pivoting ramps with fluid-operated means
- B65G69/2829—Loading ramps; Loading docks permanently installed on the dock pivoting ramps with fluid-operated means extensible by sliding parts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G69/00—Auxiliary measures taken, or devices used, in connection with loading or unloading
- B65G69/28—Loading ramps; Loading docks
- B65G69/287—Constructional features of deck or surround
- B65G69/2876—Safety or protection means, e.g. skirts
- B65G69/2894—Safety legs
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
- Y10T29/49947—Assembling or joining by applying separate fastener
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
- Y10T29/49947—Assembling or joining by applying separate fastener
- Y10T29/49966—Assembling or joining by applying separate fastener with supplemental joining
Definitions
- This patent generally pertains to dock levelers at vehicle loading docks and, more specifically, to shield or seals to shelter an area underneath a dock leveler.
- a typical loading dock of a building includes an exterior doorway with an elevated platform for loading and unloading vehicles, such as trucks and trailers.
- a dock leveler To compensate for height differences between the loading dock platform and an adjacent bed of a truck or trailer, many loading docks have a dock leveler.
- a typical dock leveler includes a deck or ramp that is pivotally hinged along its back edge to vary the height of its front edge.
- a retractable extension plate or lip pivots or translates outward from the deck's front edge to span a gap between a rear of the truck bed and the front edge of the deck. The deck and lip provide a bridge between the dock's platform and the vehicle's bed so that personnel and material handling equipment can readily move on and off the vehicle during loading and unloading operations.
- a seal is usually installed around the perimeter of the doorway. Such seals are typically installed along upper and side edges of the doorway to help seal any air gaps that may otherwise exist between a face of the building and the rear of the vehicle.
- the dock leveler lip when resting upon the rear of the vehicle, may provide a seal to a portion of a lower end of the doorway.
- the area or pit underneath a dock leveler's deck is usually exposed to outside air. This can create problems, particularly when there is a significant temperature differential between the indoor and outdoor air.
- Warm outside air for example, may condense underneath a relatively cool deck of a dock leveler used in a cold storage warehouse. The condensation can promote corrosion of various parts of the dock leveler.
- a heated building during the winter may lose a significant amount of heat by thermal conduction through the deck, as cold outside air cools the deck from underneath.
- condensation can form on top of the deck.
- FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1 but showing a lip of the example dock leveler at an extended position.
- FIG. 3 is a right end view of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the lip in the extended position.
- FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the example deck in a lowered position.
- FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5 but showing the example lip in a partially extended position.
- FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position.
- FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 7 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position.
- FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 8 but showing the example deck in a lowered position and the example lip in a partially extended position.
- FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position.
- FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 10 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position.
- FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 11 but showing the example deck in a lowered position and the example lip in a partially extended position.
- FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position.
- FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 13 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position.
- FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 14 but showing the example deck in a lowered position and the example lip in a partially extended position.
- FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position.
- FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 16 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position.
- FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 17 but showing the example deck in a lowered position and the example lip in a partially extended position.
- FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position.
- FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 19 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position.
- FIG. 21 is a right end view of FIG. 19 .
- FIG. 22 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position.
- FIG. 23 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 22 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position.
- FIG. 24 is a right end view of FIG. 22 .
- FIG. 25 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.
- a deck of the example dock leveler is shown in a cross-traffic position and a lip of the example dock leveler is shown in the retracted position.
- FIG. 26 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 25 but showing the example deck in a raised position and showing the example lip in an extended position.
- FIG. 27 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 26 but showing the example deck in a lowered position and the example lip in a partially extended position.
- FIG. 28 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position.
- FIG. 29 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 28 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position.
- FIG. 30 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 29 but showing the example deck in a lowered position and the example lip in a partially extended position.
- FIG. 31 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position.
- FIG. 32 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 31 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position.
- FIG. 33 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 32 but showing the example deck in a lowered position and the example lip in a partially extended position.
- FIG. 34 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position.
- FIG. 35 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 34 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position.
- FIG. 36 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 35 but showing the example deck in a lowered position with the example lip in a partially extended position.
- FIG. 37 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position.
- FIG. 38 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 37 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position.
- FIG. 39 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 38 but showing the example deck in a lowered position and the example lip in a partially extended position.
- FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view plus a right end view of example dock leveler in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.
- FIG. 41 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position.
- FIG. 42 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 41 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position.
- FIG. 43 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 42 but showing the example deck in a lowered position and the example lip in a partially extended position.
- Example weather shields disclosed herein are configured for use with dock levelers having deck-support legs that support a deck at a cross-traffic position (e.g., a substantially horizontal or level position).
- the deck-supporting legs of some such example dock levelers disclosed herein protrude downward from an underside of the deck and move along with a lip of the deck and may cause areas underneath the deck that may be difficult to seal.
- Some example weather shields disclosed herein shift or move with the deck and/or lip in a manner that maintains an effective seal regardless of the positions of the deck, lip and/or deck-supporting legs.
- some example weather shields disclosed herein include means to prevent the example shield from obstructing the open area underneath the dock leveler.
- Some example weather shields disclosed herein include removable segments to enable adjustability of a dimensional width of the example weather shields disclosed herein.
- FIGS. 1-6 show an example loading dock 10 with an example dock leveler 12 comprising a frame 14 supporting a vertically adjustable deck 16 , which in turn carries a lip structure 18 that can extend and retract relative to deck 16 .
- the term, “vertically adjustable deck” means that the elevation of at least a portion of the deck can be changed.
- Deck 16 and lip structure 18 are shown in various positions for loading and unloading cargo of a vehicle 20 (e.g., a truck or trailer).
- Dock leveler 12 is installed within a pit 22 defined by a wall 24 that extends from a ground surface 26 to a platform 28 of dock 10 .
- Some examples of wall 24 are substantially vertical and/or flat to provide a substantially uniform pit width.
- wall 24 are inclined, stepped and/or irregular to provide a non-uniform pit width.
- ground surface 26 lies generally flush with a driveway 30 upon which vehicle 20 is parked.
- a building wall 32 defining a dock face 34 , separates a building's interior 36 from an outdoor area 38 .
- a door selectively opens and closes across a doorway 41 through wall 32 .
- arrow 42 of FIG. 1 represents a forward direction relative to building wall 32
- arrow 44 of FIG. 3 represents a horizontal or lateral direction relative to building wall 32 , where forward direction 42 is perpendicular to lateral direction 44 .
- Dock face 34 generally faces in forward direction 42 .
- FIGS. 1-6 show dock leveler 12 without a weather shield that, if installed in the area of gap 46 , could block outside extreme temperature air and/or other elements from entering or flowing through gap 46 and circulating underneath deck 16 .
- FIGS. 7-36 show various example weather shields or seals constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein to seal gap 46
- FIG. 37 illustrates example methods for producing and using the example weather shields or seals disclosed herein.
- dock leveler 12 without a weather shield is described first, example dock levelers with example weather shields are described next, and a description of example dock leveler methods is after that.
- deck 16 includes a plurality of joists 48 supporting a deck plate 50 that extends from a rear edge 52 to a front edge 54 .
- a hinge 56 connecting rear edge 52 to frame 14 , wall 24 and/or platform 28 enables a deck actuator (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder, a linear motor, a pneumatic cylinder, a bellows, a spring, a linkage, and/or various combinations thereof, etc.) to pivot deck 16 about rear edge 52 to adjustably raise and lower front edge 54 .
- a deck actuator e.g., a hydraulic cylinder, a linear motor, a pneumatic cylinder, a bellows, a spring, a linkage, and/or various combinations thereof, etc.
- deck 16 of the illustrated example includes toe guards 62 having metal plates that are fixed to, extending downward from, and flanking deck plate 50 . Toe guards 62 slide alongside wall 24 as deck 16 moves to various positions.
- lip structure 18 includes a plurality of joists 64 , a header plate 66 at the front end of joists 64 , a lip plate 68 overlying joists 64 , at least one deck-supporting foot 70 extending downward from joists 64 , and a plurality of gussets 72 attached to the front of header plate 66 and to the underside of lip plate 68 .
- a lip actuator e.g., a hydraulic cylinder, a linear motor, a pneumatic cylinder, a bellows, a spring, a linkage, and/or various combinations thereof, etc. moves lip structure 18 between a retracted position ( FIG. 1 ) and various extended positions (FIGS.
- lip structure 18 moves between the retracted and extended positions by translating relative to deck 16 .
- lip joists 64 slide along deck joists 48 .
- Some example lip structures pivot between retracted and extended positions.
- frame 14 To support deck 16 , frame 14 includes various structural members such as, for example, a beam 74 and a front beam 76 .
- deck-supporting foot 70 of the illustrated example engages and rests upon a landing pad or deck-supporting surface 78 of front beam 76 .
- FIGS. 1 and 3 show deck-supporting foot 70 engaging deck-supporting surface 78 to support deck 16 in the cross-traffic position.
- deck-supporting foot 70 is vertically elongate to allow deck 16 to move between the cross-traffic position (e.g., of FIG. 1 ) and the lowered position (e.g., of FIG. 6 ).
- At least portions of frame 14 are elevated above ground surface 26 to create an open space 80 for accommodating a protuberance 82 (e.g., a liftgate) that might extend from some examples of vehicle 20 .
- a protuberance 82 e.g., a liftgate
- the width of open space 80 is greater or wider than other the width of other areas of pit 22 .
- some examples of dock leveler 12 include a bottom panel 84 under deck 16 adjacent frame 14 .
- bottom panel 84 is thermally insulated.
- Some examples of bottom panel 84 are attached to frame 14 .
- Some examples of bottom panel 84 are attached to wall 24 .
- a front edge 86 of bottom panel 84 is adjacent to front beam 76 . In some examples, front edge 86 is adjacent to dock face 34 (see FIG. 7 ). In some examples, front edge 86 is positioned at an intermediate location between front beam 76 and dock face 34 .
- FIGS. 7-9 show an example dock leveler 12 a that includes an example weather shield 88 .
- FIGS. 7 , 8 and 9 correspond to FIGS. 1 , 4 and 6 , respectively.
- FIG. 7 shows deck 16 at a cross-traffic position and lip structure 18 at a retracted position.
- FIG. 8 shows deck 16 at a raised position and lip structure 18 at an extended position (e.g., a fully extended position).
- FIG. 9 shows deck 16 at a lowered position and lip structure 18 at another extended position (e.g., a not fully extended position).
- weather shield 88 includes a flexible sheet of material having an upper end 90 attached to header plate 66 , a lower end 92 attached to front beam 76 , and an intermediate section 94 that tends to droop or sag when dock leveler 12 a is positioned as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 .
- the drooping section of weather shield 88 allows deck-supporting foot 70 to descend below deck-supporting surface 78 as shown, for example, in FIG. 9 .
- lower end 92 is positioned, located and/or attached to the lower end of front beam 76 adjacent to bottom panel 84 ′.
- lower end 92 is positioned, located and/or attached to the upper end of front beam 76 near deck-supporting surface 78 .
- Weather shield 88 of the illustrated example has a lateral width extending across substantially a full width 96 (e.g., the width shown in FIG. 3 ) of pit 22 to create or provide a sliding seal against wall 24 and/or against toe guard 62 .
- full width refers to the width of pit 22 in the area above the bottom panel (e.g., bottom panels 84 , 84 ′ and 84 ′′).
- lip structure 18 carries or causes an upper end 90 of the weather shield 88 to move while deck-supporting foot 70 moves between a position behind or rearward of the lower end 92 of the weather shield 88 and a position forward or in front of lower end 92 of the weather shield 88 .
- front edge 86 of bottom panel 84 ′ is proximate dock face 34 to prevent the intermediate section 94 of weather shield 88 from drooping into open area 80 .
- at least a portion of the intermediate section 94 of the example weather shield 88 may rest on the bottom panel 84 ′.
- weather shield 88 examples include, but are not limited to, vinyl coated fabric, non-insulated sheet, insulated sheet, single layer sheet, multiple layer sheet, polyester fabric, nylon, canvas, HYPALON (registered trademark of Dupont in Wilmington Del.), canvas duck, rubber impregnated fabric, articulated assembly of a plurality of panels, etc.
- weather shield 88 includes a pliable sheet of material.
- a pliable sheet or panel means that the sheet or panel can be folded over onto itself and subsequently unfolded without significant permanent deformation to the sheet or panel.
- panel refers to a member that has a relatively thin or small dimensional thickness compared to a dimensional width and dimensional length of the panel.
- a panel is a member having a width and a length that are each at least five times greater than the dimensional thickness of the panel.
- a panel can be an assembly or a unitary piece or structure.
- a panel can be insulated, relatively stiff, resiliently flexible and/or a pliable sheet of material.
- FIGS. 10-12 show another example dock leveler 12 b constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.
- the example dock leveler 12 b of the illustrated example includes an example weather shield 98 .
- FIGS. 10 , 11 and 12 correspond to FIGS. 1 , 4 and 6 , respectively.
- FIG. 10 shows deck 16 at a cross-traffic position and lip structure 18 at a retracted position.
- FIG. 11 shows deck 16 at a raised position and lip structure 18 at an extended position (e.g., a fully extended position).
- FIG. 12 shows deck 16 at a lowered position and lip structure 18 at another extended position (e.g., a partially extended position).
- weather shield 98 includes a flexible sheet of material having an upper end 100 attached to header plate 66 , a lower end 102 attached to bottom panel 84 ′, and an intermediate section 104 between ends 100 and 102 .
- Example materials and construction of weather shield 98 are similar to that of weather shield 88 shown in FIGS. 7-9 .
- Weather shield 98 has a lateral width extending across substantially a full width 96 ( FIG. 3 ) of pit 22 to create a sliding seal against wall 24 and/or against toe guard 62 . As lip structure 18 extends from the retracted position ( FIG. 10 ) to an extended position ( FIGS.
- lip structure 18 carries or moves an upper end 100 of the weather shield 98 while deck-supporting foot 70 moves from a position rearward or behind the lower end 102 of the weather shield 98 to a position forward or in front of the lower end 102 .
- front edge 86 of bottom panel 84 ′ is proximate dock face 34 to prevent an intermediate section 104 of the weather shield 98 from drooping or sagging into open area 80 .
- FIGS. 13-15 show an example dock leveler 12 c that includes another example weather shield 106 disclosed herein.
- FIGS. 13 , 14 and 15 correspond to FIGS. 1 , 4 and 6 , respectively.
- FIG. 13 shows deck 16 at a cross-traffic position with lip structure 18 at a retracted position.
- FIG. 14 shows deck 16 at a raised position and lip structure 18 at an extended position (e.g., a fully extended position)
- FIG. 15 shows deck 16 at a lowered position and lip structure 18 at another extended position (e.g., a partially extended position).
- weather shield 106 includes a flexible sheet of material having an upper section 108 with an upper end 110 attached to header plate 66 and a lower section 112 with a lower end 114 attached to bottom panel 84 ′.
- Example materials and construction of upper section 108 are similar to that of weather shield 88 shown in FIGS. 7-9 .
- Lower section 112 is resiliently flexible, but stiffer than upper section 108 , and is biased downward against bottom panel 84 ′ to reduce or take up slack in the more flexible upper section 108 .
- lower section 112 is an insulated panel having a resiliently flexible foam core 116 (layer of thermal insulation) encased within a pliable cover 118 , where cover 118 is thinner and more thermally conductive than core 116 .
- lower section 112 is a flexible sheet of material similar to weather shield 88 of FIGS. 7-9 , but stiffened with one or more elongate stays such as, for example, fiberglass rods or strips of UHMW (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene).
- UHMW ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene
- lower section 112 includes a resiliently flexible sheet of material that is neither pliable nor stiffened by stays, but instead achieves a non-pliable flexible resilience by virtue of its inherent material properties.
- lower section 112 comprises a sheet of UHMW.
- Weather shield 106 in some examples, has a lateral width extending across substantially a full width 96 ( FIG. 3 ) of pit 22 to create or provide a sliding seal against wall 24 and/or against toe guard 62 .
- lip structure 18 As lip structure 18 extends from the retracted position ( FIG. 13 ) to the extended position ( FIG. 14 ), lip structure 18 carries or moves the upper end 110 of weather shield 106 while deck-supporting foot 70 moves from a position rearward or behind the lower end 112 to a position forward or in front of lower end 112 .
- FIGS. 16-18 show another example dock leveler 12 d disclosed herein that includes an example weather shield 120 .
- FIGS. 16 , 17 and 18 correspond to FIGS. 1 , 4 and 6 , respectively.
- FIG. 16 shows deck 16 at a cross-traffic position and lip structure 18 at a retracted position.
- FIG. 17 shows deck 16 at a raised position with lip structure 18 at an extended position (e.g., a fully extended position).
- FIG. 18 shows deck 16 at a lowered position and lip structure 18 at another extended position (e.g., a partially extended position).
- weather shield 120 includes a flexible sheet of material having a front section 122 with an upper end 124 attached to header plate 66 and a rear section 126 with a lower end 128 attached to bottom panel 84 and/or to front beam 76 .
- Example materials and construction of front section 122 are similar to that of weather shield 88 shown in FIGS. 7-9 .
- Rear section 126 is resiliently flexible but stiffer than front section 122 and is biased back toward front beam 76 to take up slack in the more flexible front section 122 .
- rear section 126 is similar in material and construction to that of lower section 112 of FIGS. 13-15 .
- Weather shield 120 in some examples, has a lateral width extending across substantially a full width 96 ( FIG. 3 ) of pit 22 to create or provide a sliding seal against wall 24 and/or against toe guard 62 .
- the lip structure 18 carries or moves the weather shield's upper end 124 while deck-supporting foot 70 moves from being behind the shield's lower end 128 to being forward or in front of lower end 128 .
- FIGS. 19-21 show another example dock leveler 12 e constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.
- the example dock leveler 12 d is similar to dock leveler 12 d of FIGS. 16-18 .
- weather shield 120 of dock leveler 12 e is flanked by two side sealing members 130
- the side sealing members 130 include a right side sealing member 130 a and a left side sealing member 130 b .
- Side sealing members 130 close or significantly reduce lateral air gaps 132 ( FIG. 17 ) that may exist when lip structure 18 is fully extended.
- each of the side sealing members 130 is generally planar and lies substantially perpendicular to horizontal lateral direction 44 .
- each of the side sealing members 130 is in sliding contact with wall 24 and/or with toe guard 62 as dock leveler 12 e moves.
- side sealing members 130 are attached to and suspended from lip structure 18 . In some examples, side sealing members 130 are in sliding sealing contact with the lateral edges of weather shield 120 . In some examples, side sealing members 130 are attached to the lateral edges of weather shield 120 . In some examples, the installation of side sealing members 130 is such that the side sealing members 130 extend to a position forward or in front of the deck's front edge 54 when lip structure 18 is in the extended position, as shown in FIG. 20 , and the deck's front edge 54 is forward of the side sealing members 130 when lip structure 18 is in the retracted position, as shown in FIG. 19 . Each deck-supporting foot 70 , in some examples, is interposed laterally between the two side sealing members 130 a and 130 b.
- each of the side sealing members 130 is a relatively thin sheet of material. In some examples, each of the side sealing members 130 has a thickness extending the full lateral distance between deck-supporting foot 70 and wall 24 and/or between deck-supporting foot 70 and toe guard 62 . In some examples, side sealing members 130 are made of a material similar to the material of weather shield 88 ( FIGS. 7-9 ). In some examples, side sealing members 130 are composed of a material and construction similar to that of lower section 112 of weather shield 106 ( FIGS. 13-15 ). In some examples, each of the side sealing members 130 is an insulated panel including a resiliently compressible foam core encased within a pliable cover. Although side sealing members 130 are shown with the example dock leveler 12 e , sealing members 130 can be provided or added to any other ones of the example dock levelers (e.g., dock levers 12 a - 12 d ) disclosed herein.
- example dock levelers e.g., dock levers 12 a - 12 d
- FIGS. 22-24 show another example dock leveler 12 f constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.
- the example dock leveler 12 f is similar to dock leveler 12 d of FIGS. 16-18 .
- dock leveler 12 f has a block style side sealing member 132 that includes a central side sealing member 132 c extending between right and left side sealing members 132 a and 132 b .
- a weather shield 134 is provided that is similar to weather shield 120 of FIGS. 16-21 .
- weather shield 134 has an upper end 136 attached to the bottom of side sealing member 132 .
- side sealing member 132 includes a pliable cover 138 encasing a resiliently compressible foam core 140 , where foam core 140 fills central side sealing member 132 c and both the right and left side sealing members 132 a and 132 b.
- FIGS. 25-27 show another example dock leveler 12 g disclosed herein that includes an example weather shield 142 .
- FIGS. 25 , 26 and 27 correspond to FIGS. 1 , 4 and 6 , respectively.
- FIG. 25 shows deck 16 at a cross-traffic position and lip structure 18 at a retracted position.
- FIG. 26 shows deck 16 at a raised position and lip structure 18 at an extended position (e.g., a fully extended position).
- FIG. 27 shows deck 16 at a lowered position and lip structure 18 at another extended position (e.g., a partially extended position).
- weather shield 142 includes a flexible sheet of material having a front section 144 with an upper end 146 attached to header plate 66 , a rear section 148 with a lower end 150 attached bottom panel 84 and/or to front beam 76 , and an intermediate section 152 between sections 144 and 148 .
- Example materials and construction of front section 144 are similar to that of weather shield 88 shown in FIGS. 7-9 .
- Rear section 148 is resiliently flexible but stiffer than front section 144 and is biased toward front beam 76 to take up slack in the weather shield 142 .
- rear section 148 is similar in material and construction to that of lower section 112 of FIGS. 13-15 .
- Intermediate section 152 in some examples, is stiffer than front section 144 to reduce the extent to which weather shield 142 droops or sags when lip structure 18 is retracted ( FIG. 25 ) or partially extended ( FIG. 27 ). In some examples, instead of drooping excessively when deck 16 is in the lowered position and/or when lip structure 18 is partially extended, intermediate section 152 extends generally flat or substantially horizontal underneath deck-supporting foot 70 as shown, for example, in FIG. 27 . In some examples, intermediate section 152 is similar in material and construction to that of lower section 112 of FIGS. 13-15 . In some examples, intermediate section 152 is generally rigid and stiffer than rear section 148 .
- Weather shield 142 in some examples, has a lateral width extending across substantially the full width 44 ( FIG. 3 ) of pit 22 to create a sliding seal against wall 24 and/or against toe guard 62 .
- lip structure 18 As lip structure 18 extends from the retracted position ( FIG. 25 ) to an extended position ( FIGS. 26 and 27 ), lip structure 18 carries the upper end 146 of the weather shield 142 while deck-supporting foot 70 moves between a position rearward or behind the lower end 150 and a position forward or in front of lower end 150 .
- FIGS. 28-30 show an example dock leveler 12 h that includes another example weather shield 154 disclosed herein.
- FIGS. 28 , 29 and 30 correspond to FIGS. 1 , 4 and 6 , respectively.
- FIG. 28 shows deck 16 at a cross-traffic position and lip structure 18 at a retracted position.
- FIG. 29 shows deck 16 at a raised position and lip structure 18 at an extended position (e.g., a fully extended position)
- FIG. 30 shows deck 16 at a lowered position and lip structure 18 at another extended position (e.g., a partially extended position).
- the weather shield 154 includes a flexible sheet of material having a front panel 156 with an upper end 158 attached to header plate 66 , a rear panel 160 with a lower end 162 attached to bottom panel 84 and/or to front beam 76 , a first intermediate panel 164 connected to rear panel 160 , and a second intermediate panel 166 between panels 156 and 164 .
- the plurality of panels 156 , 160 , 164 and 166 are interconnected by a plurality of joints 168 that are more flexible than panels 156 , 160 , 164 and 166 .
- Example materials of joints 168 are similar to that of weather shield 88 shown in FIGS. 7-9 .
- Example materials and construction of panels 156 , 160 , 164 and 166 are similar in material and construction to that of lower section 112 of FIGS. 13-15 .
- panels 156 , 164 and 166 are relatively stiff and more rigid than rear panel 160 .
- Intermediate panels 164 and 166 are relatively stiff to reduce the extent to which weather shield 154 droops or sags when lip structure 18 is retracted ( FIG. 28 ) or partially extended ( FIG. 30 ).
- intermediate panel 166 instead of drooping excessively when deck 16 is in the lowered position and/or when lip structure 18 is partially extended, intermediate panel 166 extends generally flat or substantially horizontal underneath deck-supporting foot 70 as shown, for example, in FIG. 30 .
- Weather shield 154 in some examples, has a lateral width extending across substantially the full width 96 ( FIG. 3 ) of pit 22 to create or provide a sliding seal against wall 24 and/or against toe guard 62 .
- the lip structure 18 carries or moves the upper end 158 of the weather shield 154 while deck-supporting foot 70 moves between a position rearward or behind the lower end 162 and a position forward or in front of lower end 162 .
- FIGS. 31-33 show another example dock leveler 12 i constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.
- the example dock leveler 12 i includes an example weather shield 170 that extends over a variable length.
- FIGS. 31 , 32 and 33 correspond to FIGS. 1 , 4 and 6 , respectively.
- FIG. 31 shows deck 16 at a cross-traffic position and lip structure 18 at a retracted position.
- FIG. 32 shows deck 16 at a raised position and lip structure 18 at an extended position (e.g., a fully extended position)
- FIG. 33 shows deck 16 at a lowered position and lip structure 18 at another extended position (e.g., a partially extended position).
- weather shield 170 includes a flexible sheet of material that extends or adjusts along a variable distance from a shield take-up system 172 .
- the flexible sheet of material is similar to some examples of weather shield 88 , shown in FIGS. 7-9 .
- a shield take-up system is any device for selectively releasing and retracting a flexible sheet of material.
- the shield take-up system 172 is a spring loaded roller.
- an example dock leveler 12 j disclosed herein includes a shield take-up system 174 in the form of an elastic elongate member 176 attached to a flexible sheet 178 .
- elastic elongate member 176 include, but are not limited to, a helical spring, a pneumatic spring, an elastic cord, an elastic strap, etc.
- weather shield 170 covers a gap 180 between deck 16 and bottom panel 84 by spanning the distance between the point of attachment 182 a of the weather shield 170 on lip structure 18 and shield take-up system 172 on frame 14 , front beam 76 and/or bottom panel 84 .
- the locations of point 182 a and shield take-up system 172 are reversed, where shield take-up system 172 is attached to lip structure 18 , and the point of attachment 182 a of the weather shield 170 is on frame 14 , front beam 76 and/or on bottom panel 84 .
- shield take-up system 172 retracts or pays out weather shield 170 accordingly.
- a shield guide member 182 is attached to deck 16 and situated between an upper section 184 of weather shield 170 and a lower section 186 of weather shield 170 .
- the shield guide member 182 of the illustrated example enables weather shield 170 to change travel direction upon passing across shield guide member 182 .
- shield guide member 182 is a bar or rod across which weather shield 170 slides.
- shield guide member 182 is a roller across which weather shield 170 travels.
- dock leveler 12 j includes an additional shield guide member 188 .
- Shield guide member 188 redirects sheet 178 from traveling generally parallel relative to bottom panel 84 to traveling vertically behind front beam 76 .
- FIGS. 37-39 illustrate another example weather shield 190 disclosed herein.
- the example weather shield 190 in the form of a flexible sheet, extends a variable distance 192 between an upper point of attachment 194 on lip structure 18 and shield take-up member 172 attached to bottom panel 84 ′.
- weather shields 170 , 178 and 190 have a lateral width extending across substantially the full width 96 ( FIG. 3 ) of pit 22 to create or provide a sliding seal against wall 24 and/or against toe guard 62 .
- some example weather shields can be made to different widths by assembling select shield segments from a weather shield collection of parts 196 , as shown in FIG. 40 .
- the weather shield collection of parts 196 includes a main shield segment 198 , a first seal segment 200 , a second seal segment 202 and a sealing strip 204 .
- the weather shield collection of parts 196 can have any number of seal segments and/or other parts.
- a fastener 206 provides means for interconnecting the weather shield collection of parts in various combinations.
- interconnecting means examples include, but are not limited to, a touch-and-hold fastener, a zipper, a series of snaps, adhesive, etc. Although some adhesives might not provide a disconnectable or detachable seam, many other example chemical fastener(s) provide a detachable seam.
- Some examples of a touch-and-hold faster include, but are not limited to, a hook-and-loop fastener, VELCRO, etc., where VELCRO is a registered trademark of Velcro Industries in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- FIG. 40 shows the weather shield collection of parts 196 being assembled in various ways to create selectively a narrower weather shield 208 , a wider weather shield 210 , and an even wider weather shield 212 .
- Arrow 214 represents joining and arrow 216 represents separating main shield segment 198 and the first shield segment 200 , thereby creating selectively a wider weather shield 210 or a narrower weather shield 208 .
- the wider weather shield 210 includes the main shield segment 198 and the first shield segment 200
- the narrower weather shield 208 includes the main shield segment 198 with neither the first shield segment 200 nor the second shield segment 202 .
- arrow 218 represents installing one of the assembled weather shields (e.g., a wider weather shield 210 underneath deck 16 ).
- fastener 206 selectively attaches sealing strip 204 or shield segment 200 or 202 .
- sealing strip 204 is positioned in sliding seal contact with part (e.g., a toe guard) of an example dock leveler 12 k and/or in sliding seal contact with wall 24 as shown, for example, in the lower right corner of FIG. 40 .
- one sealing strip 204 ′ is permanently attached to one lateral edge of main shield segment 198 while fastener 206 attaches the other sealing strip 204 to the other lateral edge of main shield segment 198 or to a shield segment 200 or 202 .
- weather shields have two sealing strips 204 , while neither sealing strip 204 is permanently attached. Instead, fastener 206 , in some examples, is used to attach both sealing strips 204 .
- FIG. 40 shows shield segments 200 and 202 being added or removed from only the right lateral edge of main shield segment 198 .
- shield segments 200 and 202 are also added or removed from the left lateral edge of main shield segment 198 as well, thereby providing the assembled weather shield with a more balanced or symmetrical appearance.
- Example means for attaching a weather shield to a dock leveler lip structure, frame, and/or bottom panel include, but are not limited to, screws, rivets, snaps, magnets, touch-and-hold fasteners, spring loaded clips, clamps, adhesives, and/or various combinations thereof.
- FIGS. 41-43 show another example dock leveler 12 m constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.
- the example dock leveler 12 m includes an example weather shield 220 .
- FIGS. 41 , 42 and 43 correspond to FIGS. 1 , 4 and 6 , respectively.
- FIG. 41 shows deck 16 at a cross-traffic position and lip structure 18 at a retracted position.
- FIG. 42 shows deck 16 at a raised position and lip structure 18 at an extended position (e.g., a fully extended position).
- FIG. 43 shows deck 16 at a lowered position and lip structure 18 at another extended position (e.g., a partially extended).
- weather shield 220 includes a flexible sheet of material having a front section 222 with an upper end 224 attached to header plate 66 and a rear section 226 with a lower end 228 attached to bottom panel 84 and/or to front beam 76 .
- rear section 226 is an accordion-like structure having a plurality of resilient shield panels 230 interconnected along their upper and lower edges such that each shield panel 230 is biased back toward front beam 76 . Any suitable means can be used for interconnecting or coupling panels 230 .
- rear section 226 is a tightly folded unitary piece, where panels 230 are integrally joined along their upper and lower edges.
- each panel 230 includes a resiliently compressible foam core (layer of thermal insulation) encased within a pliable cover.
- each panel 230 is a flexible sheet of material similar to weather shield 88 of FIGS. 7-9 , but stiffened with one or more elongate stays, such as fiberglass rods or strips of UHMW (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene).
- each panel 230 includes a resilient sheet of material that is neither pliable nor stiffened by stays, but instead achieves a non-pliable flexible resilience by virtue of its inherent material properties.
- each panel 230 is a sheet of UHMW.
- front section 222 of weather shield 220 is of a similar construction to that of rear section 226 , where front section 222 is an accordion-like extension of rear section 226 .
- Some example materials and construction of front section 222 are similar to that of weather shield 88 , shown in FIGS. 7-9 .
- Weather shield 220 in some examples, has a lateral width extending across substantially a full width 96 ( FIG. 3 ) of pit 22 to create or provide a sliding seal against wall 24 and/or against toe guard 62 .
- the lip structure 18 carries or moves the upper end 224 of the weather shield 226 while deck-supporting foot 70 moves between a position rearward or behind the lower end 228 of the weather shield 226 to a position forward or in front of lower end 228 .
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Specific Sealing Or Ventilating Devices For Doors And Windows (AREA)
- Bridges Or Land Bridges (AREA)
Abstract
Example dock levelers with a pivotal deck and a translating lip having weather shields for sheltering an area underneath the deck are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein includes selectively providing a weather shield by performing at least one of joining or separating a main shield segment and a secondary shield segment to provide, respectively, a first weather shield having a first size or a second weather shield having a second size, where the first size being larger than the second size, and where the first weather shield includes the main shield segment and the secondary shield segment, and the second weather shield includes the main shield segment without the secondary shield segment. The method also includes installing at least one of the first weather shield or the second weather shield underneath the deck.
Description
- This patent arises as a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/017,069, filed on Sep. 3, 2013, entitled “Shields or Seals to Shelter an Area Underneath a Dock Leveler”, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- This patent generally pertains to dock levelers at vehicle loading docks and, more specifically, to shield or seals to shelter an area underneath a dock leveler.
- A typical loading dock of a building includes an exterior doorway with an elevated platform for loading and unloading vehicles, such as trucks and trailers. To compensate for height differences between the loading dock platform and an adjacent bed of a truck or trailer, many loading docks have a dock leveler. A typical dock leveler includes a deck or ramp that is pivotally hinged along its back edge to vary the height of its front edge. A retractable extension plate or lip pivots or translates outward from the deck's front edge to span a gap between a rear of the truck bed and the front edge of the deck. The deck and lip provide a bridge between the dock's platform and the vehicle's bed so that personnel and material handling equipment can readily move on and off the vehicle during loading and unloading operations.
- To help shield against weather while a vehicle is being serviced at the dock, a seal is usually installed around the perimeter of the doorway. Such seals are typically installed along upper and side edges of the doorway to help seal any air gaps that may otherwise exist between a face of the building and the rear of the vehicle. The dock leveler lip, when resting upon the rear of the vehicle, may provide a seal to a portion of a lower end of the doorway.
- The area or pit underneath a dock leveler's deck, however, is usually exposed to outside air. This can create problems, particularly when there is a significant temperature differential between the indoor and outdoor air. Warm outside air, for example, may condense underneath a relatively cool deck of a dock leveler used in a cold storage warehouse. The condensation can promote corrosion of various parts of the dock leveler. Conversely, a heated building during the winter may lose a significant amount of heat by thermal conduction through the deck, as cold outside air cools the deck from underneath. Moreover, when the indoor air is relatively warm while the deck is cooled by outside air, condensation can form on top of the deck.
-
FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the dock leveler's deck is shown in a cross-traffic position and an adjacent vehicle is shown in phantom lines. -
FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 1 but showing a lip of the example dock leveler at an extended position. -
FIG. 3 is a right end view ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 1 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the lip in the extended position. -
FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 1 but showing the example deck in a lowered position. -
FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 5 but showing the example lip in a partially extended position. -
FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position. -
FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 7 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position. -
FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 8 but showing the example deck in a lowered position and the example lip in a partially extended position. -
FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position. -
FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 10 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position. -
FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 11 but showing the example deck in a lowered position and the example lip in a partially extended position. -
FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position. -
FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 13 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position. -
FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 14 but showing the example deck in a lowered position and the example lip in a partially extended position. -
FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position. -
FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 16 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position. -
FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 17 but showing the example deck in a lowered position and the example lip in a partially extended position. -
FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position. -
FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 19 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position. -
FIG. 21 is a right end view ofFIG. 19 . -
FIG. 22 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position. -
FIG. 23 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 22 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position. -
FIG. 24 is a right end view ofFIG. 22 . -
FIG. 25 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein. A deck of the example dock leveler is shown in a cross-traffic position and a lip of the example dock leveler is shown in the retracted position. -
FIG. 26 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 25 but showing the example deck in a raised position and showing the example lip in an extended position. -
FIG. 27 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 26 but showing the example deck in a lowered position and the example lip in a partially extended position. -
FIG. 28 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position. -
FIG. 29 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 28 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position. -
FIG. 30 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 29 but showing the example deck in a lowered position and the example lip in a partially extended position. -
FIG. 31 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position. -
FIG. 32 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 31 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position. -
FIG. 33 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 32 but showing the example deck in a lowered position and the example lip in a partially extended position. -
FIG. 34 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position. -
FIG. 35 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 34 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position. -
FIG. 36 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 35 but showing the example deck in a lowered position with the example lip in a partially extended position. -
FIG. 37 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position. -
FIG. 38 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 37 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position. -
FIG. 39 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 38 but showing the example deck in a lowered position and the example lip in a partially extended position. -
FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view plus a right end view of example dock leveler in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein. -
FIG. 41 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 1 but showing another example dock leveler constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, wherein the deck is shown in the cross-traffic position and the lip is in the retracted position. -
FIG. 42 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 41 but showing the example deck in a raised position and the example lip in an extended position. -
FIG. 43 is a side cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 42 but showing the example deck in a lowered position and the example lip in a partially extended position. - Example weather shields disclosed herein are configured for use with dock levelers having deck-support legs that support a deck at a cross-traffic position (e.g., a substantially horizontal or level position). In particular, the deck-supporting legs of some such example dock levelers disclosed herein protrude downward from an underside of the deck and move along with a lip of the deck and may cause areas underneath the deck that may be difficult to seal. Some example weather shields disclosed herein shift or move with the deck and/or lip in a manner that maintains an effective seal regardless of the positions of the deck, lip and/or deck-supporting legs. For loading docks with an open area underneath a dock leveler that accommodates a rear liftgate of a truck, some example weather shields disclosed herein include means to prevent the example shield from obstructing the open area underneath the dock leveler. Some example weather shields disclosed herein include removable segments to enable adjustability of a dimensional width of the example weather shields disclosed herein.
-
FIGS. 1-6 show anexample loading dock 10 with anexample dock leveler 12 comprising aframe 14 supporting a verticallyadjustable deck 16, which in turn carries alip structure 18 that can extend and retract relative todeck 16. The term, “vertically adjustable deck” means that the elevation of at least a portion of the deck can be changed.Deck 16 andlip structure 18 are shown in various positions for loading and unloading cargo of a vehicle 20 (e.g., a truck or trailer). Dockleveler 12 is installed within apit 22 defined by awall 24 that extends from aground surface 26 to aplatform 28 ofdock 10. Some examples ofwall 24 are substantially vertical and/or flat to provide a substantially uniform pit width. Some examples ofwall 24 are inclined, stepped and/or irregular to provide a non-uniform pit width. In the illustrated examples,ground surface 26 lies generally flush with adriveway 30 upon whichvehicle 20 is parked. Abuilding wall 32, defining adock face 34, separates a building's interior 36 from anoutdoor area 38. In some examples, a door selectively opens and closes across adoorway 41 throughwall 32. For reference,arrow 42 ofFIG. 1 represents a forward direction relative to buildingwall 32, andarrow 44 ofFIG. 3 represents a horizontal or lateral direction relative to buildingwall 32, whereforward direction 42 is perpendicular tolateral direction 44.Dock face 34 generally faces inforward direction 42. - To illustrate an undesirable air gap 46 (
FIG. 4 ) that can exist betweendeck 16 andframe 14,FIGS. 1-6 show dock leveler 12 without a weather shield that, if installed in the area ofgap 46, could block outside extreme temperature air and/or other elements from entering or flowing throughgap 46 and circulating underneathdeck 16.FIGS. 7-36 show various example weather shields or seals constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein to sealgap 46, andFIG. 37 illustrates example methods for producing and using the example weather shields or seals disclosed herein. In the present detailed description,dock leveler 12 without a weather shield is described first, example dock levelers with example weather shields are described next, and a description of example dock leveler methods is after that. - Referring first to the example shown in
FIGS. 1-6 ,deck 16 includes a plurality ofjoists 48 supporting adeck plate 50 that extends from arear edge 52 to afront edge 54. Ahinge 56 connectingrear edge 52 to frame 14,wall 24 and/orplatform 28 enables a deck actuator (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder, a linear motor, a pneumatic cylinder, a bellows, a spring, a linkage, and/or various combinations thereof, etc.) to pivotdeck 16 aboutrear edge 52 to adjustably raise and lowerfront edge 54. This allows the deck'sfront edge 54 to be generally aligned to arear edge 58 of a truck or trailer bed ofvehicle 20. To eliminate potentially hazardous pinch points betweenplatform 28 and the deck'slateral edges 60 whendeck 16 is raised aboveplatform 28,deck 16 of the illustrated example includes toe guards 62 having metal plates that are fixed to, extending downward from, and flankingdeck plate 50. Toe guards 62 slide alongsidewall 24 asdeck 16 moves to various positions. - The various positions of
deck 16 include a raised position (FIG. 4 ), a lowered position (FIGS. 5 and 6 ) and a cross-traffic position (FIGS. 1-3 ). In the raised position, thefront edge 54 of thedeck 16 is at a predetermined or specified raised elevation (e.g., a maximum or fully raised position). In the lowered position, thefront edge 54 is at a predetermined or specified lowered elevation (e.g., a minimum or fully lowered position). In the cross-traffic position, thefront edge 54 of thedeck 16 is at a predetermined or specified intermediate elevation between the raised and lowered positions or elevations. In some examples,deck plate 50 is substantially flush withplatform 28 whendeck 16 is in the cross-traffic position. - Still referring to
FIGS. 1-6 ,lip structure 18 includes a plurality ofjoists 64, aheader plate 66 at the front end ofjoists 64, alip plate 68 overlyingjoists 64, at least one deck-supportingfoot 70 extending downward fromjoists 64, and a plurality ofgussets 72 attached to the front ofheader plate 66 and to the underside oflip plate 68. A lip actuator (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder, a linear motor, a pneumatic cylinder, a bellows, a spring, a linkage, and/or various combinations thereof, etc.) moveslip structure 18 between a retracted position (FIG. 1 ) and various extended positions (FIGS. 2 and 4-6). In the illustrated example,lip structure 18 moves between the retracted and extended positions by translating relative todeck 16. In someexamples lip joists 64 slide alongdeck joists 48. Some example lip structures pivot between retracted and extended positions. - To support
deck 16,frame 14 includes various structural members such as, for example, abeam 74 and afront beam 76. To solidly supportdeck 16 at the cross-traffic position without having to rely on the deck actuator to hold it there, deck-supportingfoot 70 of the illustrated example engages and rests upon a landing pad or deck-supportingsurface 78 offront beam 76.FIGS. 1 and 3 show deck-supportingfoot 70 engaging deck-supportingsurface 78 to supportdeck 16 in the cross-traffic position. In some examples, deck-supportingfoot 70 is vertically elongate to allowdeck 16 to move between the cross-traffic position (e.g., ofFIG. 1 ) and the lowered position (e.g., ofFIG. 6 ). - In the illustrated examples, at least portions of
frame 14 are elevated aboveground surface 26 to create anopen space 80 for accommodating a protuberance 82 (e.g., a liftgate) that might extend from some examples ofvehicle 20. In some examples, as indicated byphantom line 24′ ofFIG. 3 , the width ofopen space 80 is greater or wider than other the width of other areas ofpit 22. To help shield the underside ofdeck 16 from outdoor air that entersopen space 80, some examples ofdock leveler 12 include abottom panel 84 underdeck 16adjacent frame 14. In some examples,bottom panel 84 is thermally insulated. Some examples ofbottom panel 84 are attached to frame 14. Some examples ofbottom panel 84 are attached to wall 24. In some examples, afront edge 86 ofbottom panel 84 is adjacent tofront beam 76. In some examples,front edge 86 is adjacent to dock face 34 (seeFIG. 7 ). In some examples,front edge 86 is positioned at an intermediate location betweenfront beam 76 anddock face 34. -
FIGS. 7-9 show anexample dock leveler 12 a that includes anexample weather shield 88.FIGS. 7 , 8 and 9 correspond toFIGS. 1 , 4 and 6, respectively. For example,FIG. 7 showsdeck 16 at a cross-traffic position andlip structure 18 at a retracted position.FIG. 8 showsdeck 16 at a raised position andlip structure 18 at an extended position (e.g., a fully extended position).FIG. 9 showsdeck 16 at a lowered position andlip structure 18 at another extended position (e.g., a not fully extended position). - In this example,
weather shield 88 includes a flexible sheet of material having anupper end 90 attached toheader plate 66, alower end 92 attached tofront beam 76, and anintermediate section 94 that tends to droop or sag whendock leveler 12 a is positioned as shown inFIGS. 7 and 9. The drooping section ofweather shield 88 allows deck-supportingfoot 70 to descend below deck-supportingsurface 78 as shown, for example, inFIG. 9 . In some examples,lower end 92 is positioned, located and/or attached to the lower end offront beam 76 adjacent tobottom panel 84′. In some examples,lower end 92 is positioned, located and/or attached to the upper end offront beam 76 near deck-supportingsurface 78.Weather shield 88 of the illustrated example has a lateral width extending across substantially a full width 96 (e.g., the width shown inFIG. 3 ) ofpit 22 to create or provide a sliding seal againstwall 24 and/or againsttoe guard 62. The term, “full width” refers to the width ofpit 22 in the area above the bottom panel (e.g.,bottom panels lip structure 18 extends from the retracted position (FIG. 7 ) to an extended position (FIGS. 8 and 9 ),lip structure 18 carries or causes anupper end 90 of theweather shield 88 to move while deck-supportingfoot 70 moves between a position behind or rearward of thelower end 92 of theweather shield 88 and a position forward or in front oflower end 92 of theweather shield 88. In this example,front edge 86 ofbottom panel 84′ isproximate dock face 34 to prevent theintermediate section 94 ofweather shield 88 from drooping intoopen area 80. In other words, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 9 , at least a portion of theintermediate section 94 of theexample weather shield 88 may rest on thebottom panel 84′. Not only can such drooping interfere with theliftgate 82 ofvehicle 20, but if theopen space 80 is extra wide and extends tophantom line 24′ ofFIG. 3 , some shields might not be wide enough to seal against the side walls of thepit 22 in the area below the bottom panel (e.g., belowbottom panel - Example materials and construction of
weather shield 88 include, but are not limited to, vinyl coated fabric, non-insulated sheet, insulated sheet, single layer sheet, multiple layer sheet, polyester fabric, nylon, canvas, HYPALON (registered trademark of Dupont in Wilmington Del.), canvas duck, rubber impregnated fabric, articulated assembly of a plurality of panels, etc. In some examples,weather shield 88 includes a pliable sheet of material. A pliable sheet or panel means that the sheet or panel can be folded over onto itself and subsequently unfolded without significant permanent deformation to the sheet or panel. The term “panel” refers to a member that has a relatively thin or small dimensional thickness compared to a dimensional width and dimensional length of the panel. For example, a panel is a member having a width and a length that are each at least five times greater than the dimensional thickness of the panel. A panel can be an assembly or a unitary piece or structure. A panel can be insulated, relatively stiff, resiliently flexible and/or a pliable sheet of material. -
FIGS. 10-12 show anotherexample dock leveler 12 b constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein. Theexample dock leveler 12 b of the illustrated example includes anexample weather shield 98.FIGS. 10 , 11 and 12 correspond toFIGS. 1 , 4 and 6, respectively. For example,FIG. 10 showsdeck 16 at a cross-traffic position andlip structure 18 at a retracted position.FIG. 11 showsdeck 16 at a raised position andlip structure 18 at an extended position (e.g., a fully extended position).FIG. 12 showsdeck 16 at a lowered position andlip structure 18 at another extended position (e.g., a partially extended position). - In this example,
weather shield 98 includes a flexible sheet of material having anupper end 100 attached toheader plate 66, alower end 102 attached tobottom panel 84′, and anintermediate section 104 betweenends weather shield 98 are similar to that ofweather shield 88 shown inFIGS. 7-9 .Weather shield 98 has a lateral width extending across substantially a full width 96 (FIG. 3 ) ofpit 22 to create a sliding seal againstwall 24 and/or againsttoe guard 62. Aslip structure 18 extends from the retracted position (FIG. 10 ) to an extended position (FIGS. 11 and 12 ),lip structure 18 carries or moves anupper end 100 of theweather shield 98 while deck-supportingfoot 70 moves from a position rearward or behind thelower end 102 of theweather shield 98 to a position forward or in front of thelower end 102. In this example,front edge 86 ofbottom panel 84′ isproximate dock face 34 to prevent anintermediate section 104 of theweather shield 98 from drooping or sagging intoopen area 80. -
FIGS. 13-15 show anexample dock leveler 12 c that includes anotherexample weather shield 106 disclosed herein.FIGS. 13 , 14 and 15 correspond toFIGS. 1 , 4 and 6, respectively. For example,FIG. 13 showsdeck 16 at a cross-traffic position withlip structure 18 at a retracted position.FIG. 14 showsdeck 16 at a raised position andlip structure 18 at an extended position (e.g., a fully extended position)FIG. 15 showsdeck 16 at a lowered position andlip structure 18 at another extended position (e.g., a partially extended position). - In this example,
weather shield 106 includes a flexible sheet of material having anupper section 108 with anupper end 110 attached toheader plate 66 and alower section 112 with alower end 114 attached tobottom panel 84′. Example materials and construction ofupper section 108 are similar to that ofweather shield 88 shown inFIGS. 7-9 .Lower section 112 is resiliently flexible, but stiffer thanupper section 108, and is biased downward againstbottom panel 84′ to reduce or take up slack in the more flexibleupper section 108. In some examples,lower section 112 is an insulated panel having a resiliently flexible foam core 116 (layer of thermal insulation) encased within apliable cover 118, wherecover 118 is thinner and more thermally conductive thancore 116. In some examples,lower section 112 is a flexible sheet of material similar toweather shield 88 ofFIGS. 7-9 , but stiffened with one or more elongate stays such as, for example, fiberglass rods or strips of UHMW (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene). In some examples,lower section 112 includes a resiliently flexible sheet of material that is neither pliable nor stiffened by stays, but instead achieves a non-pliable flexible resilience by virtue of its inherent material properties. Specifically, in some examples,lower section 112 comprises a sheet of UHMW. -
Weather shield 106, in some examples, has a lateral width extending across substantially a full width 96 (FIG. 3 ) ofpit 22 to create or provide a sliding seal againstwall 24 and/or againsttoe guard 62. Aslip structure 18 extends from the retracted position (FIG. 13 ) to the extended position (FIG. 14 ),lip structure 18 carries or moves theupper end 110 ofweather shield 106 while deck-supportingfoot 70 moves from a position rearward or behind thelower end 112 to a position forward or in front oflower end 112. -
FIGS. 16-18 show anotherexample dock leveler 12 d disclosed herein that includes anexample weather shield 120.FIGS. 16 , 17 and 18 correspond toFIGS. 1 , 4 and 6, respectively. For example,FIG. 16 showsdeck 16 at a cross-traffic position andlip structure 18 at a retracted position.FIG. 17 showsdeck 16 at a raised position withlip structure 18 at an extended position (e.g., a fully extended position).FIG. 18 showsdeck 16 at a lowered position andlip structure 18 at another extended position (e.g., a partially extended position). - In this example,
weather shield 120 includes a flexible sheet of material having afront section 122 with anupper end 124 attached toheader plate 66 and arear section 126 with alower end 128 attached tobottom panel 84 and/or tofront beam 76. Example materials and construction offront section 122 are similar to that ofweather shield 88 shown inFIGS. 7-9 .Rear section 126 is resiliently flexible but stiffer thanfront section 122 and is biased back towardfront beam 76 to take up slack in the more flexiblefront section 122. In some examples,rear section 126 is similar in material and construction to that oflower section 112 ofFIGS. 13-15 . -
Weather shield 120, in some examples, has a lateral width extending across substantially a full width 96 (FIG. 3 ) ofpit 22 to create or provide a sliding seal againstwall 24 and/or againsttoe guard 62. Aslip structure 18 extends from the retracted position (FIG. 16 ) to an extended position (FIGS. 17 and 18 ), thelip structure 18 carries or moves the weather shield'supper end 124 while deck-supportingfoot 70 moves from being behind the shield'slower end 128 to being forward or in front oflower end 128. -
FIGS. 19-21 show anotherexample dock leveler 12 e constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein. Theexample dock leveler 12 d is similar to dockleveler 12 d ofFIGS. 16-18 . However,weather shield 120 ofdock leveler 12 e is flanked by twoside sealing members 130 In the illustrated example, theside sealing members 130 include a rightside sealing member 130 a and a leftside sealing member 130 b.Side sealing members 130 close or significantly reduce lateral air gaps 132 (FIG. 17 ) that may exist whenlip structure 18 is fully extended. In some examples, each of theside sealing members 130 is generally planar and lies substantially perpendicular to horizontallateral direction 44. In some examples, each of theside sealing members 130 is in sliding contact withwall 24 and/or withtoe guard 62 asdock leveler 12 e moves. - In some examples,
side sealing members 130 are attached to and suspended fromlip structure 18. In some examples,side sealing members 130 are in sliding sealing contact with the lateral edges ofweather shield 120. In some examples,side sealing members 130 are attached to the lateral edges ofweather shield 120. In some examples, the installation ofside sealing members 130 is such that theside sealing members 130 extend to a position forward or in front of the deck'sfront edge 54 whenlip structure 18 is in the extended position, as shown inFIG. 20 , and the deck'sfront edge 54 is forward of theside sealing members 130 whenlip structure 18 is in the retracted position, as shown inFIG. 19 . Each deck-supportingfoot 70, in some examples, is interposed laterally between the twoside sealing members - In some examples, each of the
side sealing members 130 is a relatively thin sheet of material. In some examples, each of theside sealing members 130 has a thickness extending the full lateral distance between deck-supportingfoot 70 andwall 24 and/or between deck-supportingfoot 70 andtoe guard 62. In some examples,side sealing members 130 are made of a material similar to the material of weather shield 88 (FIGS. 7-9 ). In some examples,side sealing members 130 are composed of a material and construction similar to that oflower section 112 of weather shield 106 (FIGS. 13-15 ). In some examples, each of theside sealing members 130 is an insulated panel including a resiliently compressible foam core encased within a pliable cover. Althoughside sealing members 130 are shown with theexample dock leveler 12 e, sealingmembers 130 can be provided or added to any other ones of the example dock levelers (e.g.,dock levers 12 a-12 d) disclosed herein. -
FIGS. 22-24 show anotherexample dock leveler 12 f constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein. Theexample dock leveler 12 f is similar to dockleveler 12 d ofFIGS. 16-18 . However,dock leveler 12 f has a block styleside sealing member 132 that includes a centralside sealing member 132 c extending between right and leftside sealing members weather shield 134 is provided that is similar toweather shield 120 ofFIGS. 16-21 . However,weather shield 134 has anupper end 136 attached to the bottom ofside sealing member 132. In some examples,side sealing member 132 includes apliable cover 138 encasing a resilientlycompressible foam core 140, wherefoam core 140 fills centralside sealing member 132 c and both the right and leftside sealing members -
FIGS. 25-27 show anotherexample dock leveler 12 g disclosed herein that includes anexample weather shield 142.FIGS. 25 , 26 and 27 correspond toFIGS. 1 , 4 and 6, respectively.FIG. 25 showsdeck 16 at a cross-traffic position andlip structure 18 at a retracted position.FIG. 26 showsdeck 16 at a raised position andlip structure 18 at an extended position (e.g., a fully extended position).FIG. 27 showsdeck 16 at a lowered position andlip structure 18 at another extended position (e.g., a partially extended position). - In this example,
weather shield 142 includes a flexible sheet of material having afront section 144 with anupper end 146 attached toheader plate 66, arear section 148 with alower end 150 attachedbottom panel 84 and/or tofront beam 76, and anintermediate section 152 betweensections front section 144 are similar to that ofweather shield 88 shown inFIGS. 7-9 .Rear section 148 is resiliently flexible but stiffer thanfront section 144 and is biased towardfront beam 76 to take up slack in theweather shield 142. In some examples,rear section 148 is similar in material and construction to that oflower section 112 ofFIGS. 13-15 . -
Intermediate section 152, in some examples, is stiffer thanfront section 144 to reduce the extent to whichweather shield 142 droops or sags whenlip structure 18 is retracted (FIG. 25 ) or partially extended (FIG. 27 ). In some examples, instead of drooping excessively whendeck 16 is in the lowered position and/or whenlip structure 18 is partially extended,intermediate section 152 extends generally flat or substantially horizontal underneath deck-supportingfoot 70 as shown, for example, inFIG. 27 . In some examples,intermediate section 152 is similar in material and construction to that oflower section 112 ofFIGS. 13-15 . In some examples,intermediate section 152 is generally rigid and stiffer thanrear section 148. -
Weather shield 142, in some examples, has a lateral width extending across substantially the full width 44 (FIG. 3 ) ofpit 22 to create a sliding seal againstwall 24 and/or againsttoe guard 62. Aslip structure 18 extends from the retracted position (FIG. 25 ) to an extended position (FIGS. 26 and 27 ),lip structure 18 carries theupper end 146 of theweather shield 142 while deck-supportingfoot 70 moves between a position rearward or behind thelower end 150 and a position forward or in front oflower end 150. -
FIGS. 28-30 show anexample dock leveler 12 h that includes anotherexample weather shield 154 disclosed herein.FIGS. 28 , 29 and 30 correspond toFIGS. 1 , 4 and 6, respectively.FIG. 28 showsdeck 16 at a cross-traffic position andlip structure 18 at a retracted position.FIG. 29 showsdeck 16 at a raised position andlip structure 18 at an extended position (e.g., a fully extended position)FIG. 30 showsdeck 16 at a lowered position andlip structure 18 at another extended position (e.g., a partially extended position). - In this example, the
weather shield 154 includes a flexible sheet of material having afront panel 156 with anupper end 158 attached toheader plate 66, arear panel 160 with alower end 162 attached tobottom panel 84 and/or tofront beam 76, a firstintermediate panel 164 connected torear panel 160, and a secondintermediate panel 166 betweenpanels panels joints 168 that are more flexible thanpanels joints 168 are similar to that ofweather shield 88 shown inFIGS. 7-9 . Example materials and construction ofpanels lower section 112 ofFIGS. 13-15 . - In some examples,
panels rear panel 160.Intermediate panels weather shield 154 droops or sags whenlip structure 18 is retracted (FIG. 28 ) or partially extended (FIG. 30 ). In some examples, instead of drooping excessively whendeck 16 is in the lowered position and/or whenlip structure 18 is partially extended,intermediate panel 166 extends generally flat or substantially horizontal underneath deck-supportingfoot 70 as shown, for example, inFIG. 30 . -
Weather shield 154, in some examples, has a lateral width extending across substantially the full width 96 (FIG. 3 ) ofpit 22 to create or provide a sliding seal againstwall 24 and/or againsttoe guard 62. Aslip structure 18 extends from the retracted position (FIG. 28 ) to an extended position (FIGS. 29 and 30 ), thelip structure 18 carries or moves theupper end 158 of theweather shield 154 while deck-supportingfoot 70 moves between a position rearward or behind thelower end 162 and a position forward or in front oflower end 162. -
FIGS. 31-33 show anotherexample dock leveler 12 i constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein. Theexample dock leveler 12 i includes anexample weather shield 170 that extends over a variable length.FIGS. 31 , 32 and 33 correspond toFIGS. 1 , 4 and 6, respectively.FIG. 31 showsdeck 16 at a cross-traffic position andlip structure 18 at a retracted position.FIG. 32 showsdeck 16 at a raised position andlip structure 18 at an extended position (e.g., a fully extended position)FIG. 33 showsdeck 16 at a lowered position andlip structure 18 at another extended position (e.g., a partially extended position). - In this example,
weather shield 170 includes a flexible sheet of material that extends or adjusts along a variable distance from a shield take-upsystem 172. In some examples, the flexible sheet of material is similar to some examples ofweather shield 88, shown inFIGS. 7-9 . A shield take-up system is any device for selectively releasing and retracting a flexible sheet of material. In the example shown inFIGS. 31-33 , the shield take-upsystem 172 is a spring loaded roller. In the example shown inFIGS. 34-36 , anexample dock leveler 12 j disclosed herein includes a shield take-upsystem 174 in the form of an elasticelongate member 176 attached to aflexible sheet 178. Examples of elasticelongate member 176 include, but are not limited to, a helical spring, a pneumatic spring, an elastic cord, an elastic strap, etc. - Returning to the example shown in
FIGS. 31-33 ,weather shield 170 covers agap 180 betweendeck 16 andbottom panel 84 by spanning the distance between the point ofattachment 182 a of theweather shield 170 onlip structure 18 and shield take-upsystem 172 onframe 14,front beam 76 and/orbottom panel 84. In some examples, the locations ofpoint 182 a and shield take-upsystem 172 are reversed, where shield take-upsystem 172 is attached tolip structure 18, and the point ofattachment 182 a of theweather shield 170 is onframe 14,front beam 76 and/or onbottom panel 84. In either example, as the distance between shield take-upsystem 172 andattachment point 182 a changes (e.g., increases or decreases), shield take-upsystem 172 retracts or pays outweather shield 170 accordingly. - In the illustrated example, a
shield guide member 182 is attached todeck 16 and situated between anupper section 184 ofweather shield 170 and alower section 186 ofweather shield 170. Theshield guide member 182 of the illustrated example enablesweather shield 170 to change travel direction upon passing acrossshield guide member 182. In some examples,shield guide member 182 is a bar or rod across whichweather shield 170 slides. In some examples,shield guide member 182 is a roller across whichweather shield 170 travels. - Referring to the example shown in
FIGS. 34 and 36 ,dock leveler 12 j includes an additionalshield guide member 188.Shield guide member 188 redirectssheet 178 from traveling generally parallel relative tobottom panel 84 to traveling vertically behindfront beam 76. -
FIGS. 37-39 illustrate anotherexample weather shield 190 disclosed herein. In the example shown inFIGS. 37-39 , theexample weather shield 190, in the form of a flexible sheet, extends avariable distance 192 between an upper point ofattachment 194 onlip structure 18 and shield take-upmember 172 attached tobottom panel 84′. In this example and in the examples shown inFIGS. 31-36 , weather shields 170, 178 and 190 have a lateral width extending across substantially the full width 96 (FIG. 3 ) ofpit 22 to create or provide a sliding seal againstwall 24 and/or againsttoe guard 62. - To produce weather shields that fit dock pits of various widths, some example weather shields, such as those disclosed herein, can be made to different widths by assembling select shield segments from a weather shield collection of
parts 196, as shown inFIG. 40 . In the illustrated example, the weather shield collection ofparts 196 includes amain shield segment 198, afirst seal segment 200, asecond seal segment 202 and asealing strip 204. The weather shield collection ofparts 196 can have any number of seal segments and/or other parts. In some examples, afastener 206 provides means for interconnecting the weather shield collection of parts in various combinations. Examples of interconnecting means that may implementfastener 206 include, but are not limited to, a touch-and-hold fastener, a zipper, a series of snaps, adhesive, etc. Although some adhesives might not provide a disconnectable or detachable seam, many other example chemical fastener(s) provide a detachable seam. Some examples of a touch-and-hold faster include, but are not limited to, a hook-and-loop fastener, VELCRO, etc., where VELCRO is a registered trademark of Velcro Industries in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. -
FIG. 40 shows the weather shield collection ofparts 196 being assembled in various ways to create selectively anarrower weather shield 208, awider weather shield 210, and an evenwider weather shield 212.Arrow 214 represents joining andarrow 216 represents separatingmain shield segment 198 and thefirst shield segment 200, thereby creating selectively awider weather shield 210 or anarrower weather shield 208. In the illustrated example, thewider weather shield 210 includes themain shield segment 198 and thefirst shield segment 200, and thenarrower weather shield 208 includes themain shield segment 198 with neither thefirst shield segment 200 nor thesecond shield segment 202. For sake of example,arrow 218 represents installing one of the assembled weather shields (e.g., awider weather shield 210 underneath deck 16). - In some examples,
fastener 206 selectively attaches sealingstrip 204 orshield segment strip 204 is attached, sealingstrip 204 is positioned in sliding seal contact with part (e.g., a toe guard) of anexample dock leveler 12 k and/or in sliding seal contact withwall 24 as shown, for example, in the lower right corner ofFIG. 40 . In some examples, onesealing strip 204′ is permanently attached to one lateral edge ofmain shield segment 198 whilefastener 206 attaches theother sealing strip 204 to the other lateral edge ofmain shield segment 198 or to ashield segment strips 204, while neither sealingstrip 204 is permanently attached. Instead,fastener 206, in some examples, is used to attach both sealing strips 204. -
FIG. 40 showsshield segments main shield segment 198. However, in some examples, shieldsegments main shield segment 198 as well, thereby providing the assembled weather shield with a more balanced or symmetrical appearance. - Any suitable means can be used for attaching the example weather shields disclosed herein. Example means for attaching a weather shield to a dock leveler lip structure, frame, and/or bottom panel include, but are not limited to, screws, rivets, snaps, magnets, touch-and-hold fasteners, spring loaded clips, clamps, adhesives, and/or various combinations thereof.
-
FIGS. 41-43 show anotherexample dock leveler 12 m constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein. Theexample dock leveler 12 m includes anexample weather shield 220.FIGS. 41 , 42 and 43 correspond toFIGS. 1 , 4 and 6, respectively.FIG. 41 showsdeck 16 at a cross-traffic position andlip structure 18 at a retracted position.FIG. 42 showsdeck 16 at a raised position andlip structure 18 at an extended position (e.g., a fully extended position).FIG. 43 showsdeck 16 at a lowered position andlip structure 18 at another extended position (e.g., a partially extended). - In this example,
weather shield 220 includes a flexible sheet of material having afront section 222 with anupper end 224 attached toheader plate 66 and arear section 226 with alower end 228 attached tobottom panel 84 and/or tofront beam 76. To reduce (e.g., minimize) drooping or sagging ofweather shield 220,rear section 226 is an accordion-like structure having a plurality ofresilient shield panels 230 interconnected along their upper and lower edges such that eachshield panel 230 is biased back towardfront beam 76. Any suitable means can be used for interconnecting orcoupling panels 230. Some example means include, but are not limited to, threads (sewn seam), screws, rivets, snaps, touch-and-hold fasteners, clamps, adhesives, ultrasonic welding, RF welding, hot plate welding, and/or various combinations thereof. In some examples,rear section 226 is a tightly folded unitary piece, wherepanels 230 are integrally joined along their upper and lower edges. - In some examples, each
panel 230 includes a resiliently compressible foam core (layer of thermal insulation) encased within a pliable cover. In some examples, eachpanel 230 is a flexible sheet of material similar toweather shield 88 ofFIGS. 7-9 , but stiffened with one or more elongate stays, such as fiberglass rods or strips of UHMW (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene). In some examples, eachpanel 230 includes a resilient sheet of material that is neither pliable nor stiffened by stays, but instead achieves a non-pliable flexible resilience by virtue of its inherent material properties. Specifically, in some examples, eachpanel 230 is a sheet of UHMW. - In some examples,
front section 222 ofweather shield 220 is of a similar construction to that ofrear section 226, wherefront section 222 is an accordion-like extension ofrear section 226. Some example materials and construction offront section 222 are similar to that ofweather shield 88, shown inFIGS. 7-9 . -
Weather shield 220, in some examples, has a lateral width extending across substantially a full width 96 (FIG. 3 ) ofpit 22 to create or provide a sliding seal againstwall 24 and/or againsttoe guard 62. Aslip structure 18 extends from the retracted position (FIG. 41 ) to an extended position (FIGS. 42 and 43 ), thelip structure 18 carries or moves theupper end 224 of theweather shield 226 while deck-supportingfoot 70 moves between a position rearward or behind thelower end 228 of theweather shield 226 to a position forward or in front oflower end 228. - Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of the coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.
Claims (21)
1. Installation of a weather shield at a loading dock having a dock leveler that includes a deck overlying a pit defined by a wall extending between a ground surface of the loading dock and a platform, a method comprising:
Selectively providing a weather shield by performing at least one of joining or separating a main shield segment and a secondary shield segment to provide, respectively, a first weather shield having a first size or a second weather shield having a second size, the first size being larger than the second size, the first weather shield including the main shield segment and the secondary shield segment, the second weather shield including the main shield segment without the secondary shield segment; and
installing at least one of the first weather shield or the second weather shield underneath the deck.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein performing at least one of joining or separating the main shield segment and the secondary shield segment comprises using a touch-and-hold fastener between the main shield segment and the secondary shield segment.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
attaching a sealing strip selectively to at least one of the main shield segment or the secondary shield segment; and
positioning the sealing strip in sliding seal contact with at least one of the wall or the dock leveler.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein attaching the sealing strip selectively to at least one of the main shield segment or the secondary shield segment comprises using a touch-and-hold fastener between the sealing strip and at least one of the main shield segment or the secondary shield segment.
5. A weather shield for use at a loading dock comprising:
a first weather shield having a first dimensional profile, the first weather shield including a first sheet; and
a second weather shield comprising a second sheet removably coupled to the first sheet to provide a second dimensional profile, the first dimensional profile being smaller than the second dimensional profile.
6. The weather shield of claim 5 , further comprising a fastener to removably couple the first sheet and the second sheet.
7. The weather shield of claim 6 , wherein the fastener comprises a hook-and-loop fastener.
8. The weather shield of claim 5 , further comprising a third sheet coupled to at least one of the first sheet or the second sheet to provide a third weather shield having a third dimensional profile, the third dimensional profile being greater than the first dimensional profile and the second dimensional profile.
9. The weather shield of claim 8 , wherein the third weather shield includes the first sheet, the second sheet and the third sheet, the third sheet being removably coupled to the second sheet or the first sheet.
10. The weather shield of claim 9 , further comprising a first fastener to removably couple the first sheet and the second sheet and a second fastener to removably couple the third sheet to at least one of the first sheet or the second sheet.
11. The weather shield of claim 10 , wherein the first and second fasteners comprise hook-and-loop fasteners.
12. The weather shield of claim 5 , further comprising a seal coupled to at least one of the first sheet or the second sheet.
13. The weather shield of claim 5 , wherein a first edge of the second sheet is removably coupled to a first edge of the first sheet when the first sheet and the second sheet define the second weather shield.
14. The weather shield of claim 13 , further comprising a first seal attached to a second side edge of the first sheet and a second seal attached to a second side edge of the second sheet such that the first seal and the second seal define perimeter side edges of the second weather shield when the second sheet is coupled to the first sheet.
15. The weather shield of claim 5 , wherein the first dimensional profile comprises a first width wide enough to seal a first gap underneath a first deck of a dock leveler and the second dimensional profile comprises a second width different than the first width and wide enough to seal a second gap underneath a second deck of a second dock leveler different from the first dock leveler.
16. A size-adjustable weather shield assembly for use with a dock leveler comprising:
a common shield segment to define a first weather shield having a first size; and
a first shield segment removably coupled to the common shield to provide a second weather shield having a second size when the first shield segment is coupled to the common shield segment, the second size being larger than the first size.
17. The size-adjustable weather shield assembly of claim 16 , further comprising a seal strip removably coupled to at least one of the common shield segment or the first shield segment.
18. The size-adjustable weather shield assembly of claim 16 , further comprising a second shield segment removably coupled to at least one of the common shield segment or the first shield segment, wherein the common shield segment, the first shield segment and the second shield segment provide a third weather shield having a third size when the second shield segment is coupled to the at least one of the common shield segment or the first shield segment.
19. The size-adjustable weather shield assembly of claim 18 , wherein a first edge of the first shield segment is removably coupled to the common shield segment and the second shield segment is removably coupled to a second edge of the first shield segment opposite the first edge.
20. The size-adjustable weather shield assembly of claim 19 , further comprising a first seal strip removably coupled to the second shield segment.
21. The size-adjustable weather shield assembly of claim 20 , further comprising a second seal strip permanently coupled to a first edge of the common shield segment.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/322,592 US20150059105A1 (en) | 2013-09-03 | 2014-07-02 | Shields or seals to shelter an area underneath a dock leveler |
PCT/US2014/053214 WO2015034747A2 (en) | 2013-09-03 | 2014-08-28 | Shields or seals to shelter an area underneath a dock leveler |
EP14771433.1A EP3041770B1 (en) | 2013-09-03 | 2014-08-28 | Shields or seals to shelter an area underneath a dock leveler |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/017,069 US8800086B1 (en) | 2013-09-03 | 2013-09-03 | Shields or seals to shelter an area underneath a dock leveler |
US14/322,592 US20150059105A1 (en) | 2013-09-03 | 2014-07-02 | Shields or seals to shelter an area underneath a dock leveler |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/017,069 Continuation US8800086B1 (en) | 2013-09-03 | 2013-09-03 | Shields or seals to shelter an area underneath a dock leveler |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20150059105A1 true US20150059105A1 (en) | 2015-03-05 |
Family
ID=51267118
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/017,069 Active US8800086B1 (en) | 2013-09-03 | 2013-09-03 | Shields or seals to shelter an area underneath a dock leveler |
US14/322,592 Abandoned US20150059105A1 (en) | 2013-09-03 | 2014-07-02 | Shields or seals to shelter an area underneath a dock leveler |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/017,069 Active US8800086B1 (en) | 2013-09-03 | 2013-09-03 | Shields or seals to shelter an area underneath a dock leveler |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US8800086B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3041770B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015034747A2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9327922B2 (en) * | 2012-01-03 | 2016-05-03 | 4Front Engineered Solutions, Inc. | Dock leveler sealing systems |
US11987458B2 (en) | 2020-01-22 | 2024-05-21 | Rite-Hite Holding Corporation | Curtain assemblies or seals for dock levelers |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8800086B1 (en) * | 2013-09-03 | 2014-08-12 | Rite-Hite Holding Corporation | Shields or seals to shelter an area underneath a dock leveler |
US9517902B2 (en) * | 2014-06-12 | 2016-12-13 | Nordock, Inc. | Vertically stored telescoping lip leveler |
US9604799B2 (en) * | 2015-02-11 | 2017-03-28 | Ronald Kowk | Dock leveler sealing assembly |
US11254527B2 (en) * | 2019-04-05 | 2022-02-22 | Safe Rack Llc | Gangway having self-raising assembly |
US11273999B1 (en) * | 2020-09-04 | 2022-03-15 | Leum Engineering, Inc. | Modular loading dock with integrated leveler |
NL1043848B1 (en) * | 2020-11-19 | 2022-07-01 | Hoermann Alkmaar Bv | Loading bridge with insulation. |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4557008A (en) * | 1983-09-09 | 1985-12-10 | Flexion, Inc. | Dock leveler seal construction |
US20030070208A1 (en) * | 2001-10-17 | 2003-04-17 | Magdziak-Hautala Kathy A. | Headwear |
US7254922B2 (en) * | 2002-04-04 | 2007-08-14 | Fairborn Usa, Inc. | Selectively releasable and pivotable side curtain assembly |
US20090077906A1 (en) * | 2007-09-24 | 2009-03-26 | 4Front Engineered Solutions, Inc. | Loading dock truck shelters |
US8327587B2 (en) * | 2008-05-29 | 2012-12-11 | Rite-Hite Holding Corporation | Head curtains for dock shelters or dock seals |
US8800086B1 (en) * | 2013-09-03 | 2014-08-12 | Rite-Hite Holding Corporation | Shields or seals to shelter an area underneath a dock leveler |
Family Cites Families (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2049259A5 (en) * | 1969-06-05 | 1971-03-26 | Secmi | |
US3840930A (en) * | 1972-03-10 | 1974-10-15 | R Wanddell | Dockboard |
GB1449432A (en) * | 1974-01-28 | 1976-09-15 | Isobe M | Equipment for preventing the spread of a fire |
NL7707810A (en) | 1977-07-13 | 1979-01-16 | Langerak En Van Der Lingen B V | Guard under lifting platform - comprises roller blind extending across gap and pulled horizontally round roller |
US4279050A (en) * | 1979-11-29 | 1981-07-21 | Overhead Door Corporation | Leg latch for in-pit dock levelers |
US4293969A (en) | 1979-12-26 | 1981-10-13 | Frommelt Industries, Inc. | Inflatable seal |
US4422199A (en) * | 1981-10-09 | 1983-12-27 | Frommelt Industries, Inc. | Dockboard seal |
DE3412065A1 (en) * | 1984-03-31 | 1985-10-03 | Trepel Ag, 6200 Wiesbaden | Loading bridge |
US4662021A (en) * | 1984-06-25 | 1987-05-05 | Hagen James P | Dockboard with a tread plate lock mechanism |
US4682382A (en) * | 1986-01-06 | 1987-07-28 | Kelley Company Inc. | Weather seal for a loading dock pit |
DE3711806C1 (en) * | 1987-04-08 | 1988-04-21 | Klaus Meyer-Tonndorf | Loading bridge |
US5396676A (en) | 1989-04-03 | 1995-03-14 | The Serco Corporation | Vertically storing dock leveler |
US5313681A (en) | 1989-04-03 | 1994-05-24 | The Serco Corporation | Vertically storing dock leveler |
US5001799A (en) | 1989-04-03 | 1991-03-26 | Serco Corporation | Seal carried by a vertically storing dock leveler |
DE4024975C1 (en) * | 1990-08-07 | 1991-11-14 | Kurt 3015 Wennigsen De Alten | |
US5416941A (en) * | 1991-07-01 | 1995-05-23 | Kelley Company Inc. | Dockboard having an improved return-to-dock-level mechanism |
US5542463A (en) * | 1993-10-01 | 1996-08-06 | Rite-Hite Corporation | Roll-up strip curtain barrier apparatus |
DE19651416C2 (en) * | 1996-12-11 | 2000-08-10 | Alfred Arnold Verladesysteme | Height and length adjustable loading ramp |
US6502268B2 (en) | 2001-04-18 | 2003-01-07 | Rite-Hite Holding Corporation | Weather shield for below a dock leveler |
DE10305565A1 (en) | 2003-02-10 | 2004-08-19 | Niclas Grunewald | Device for sealing a gap between the edge of a dock leveler and a vehicle |
US7146673B1 (en) | 2005-11-08 | 2006-12-12 | Rite-Hite Holding Corporation | Weather shield for underneath a dock leveler |
US7877831B2 (en) | 2005-11-08 | 2011-02-01 | Rite-Hite Holding Corporation | Weather shield for underneath a dock leveler |
US20070283636A1 (en) * | 2006-06-09 | 2007-12-13 | Bernacki Daniel R | Loading dock seal |
US7594290B2 (en) | 2006-08-31 | 2009-09-29 | 4Front Engineered Solutions, Inc. | Dock leveler bottom pad |
DE102007029149A1 (en) * | 2007-06-25 | 2009-01-02 | Cardo Door Docking Produktion Gmbh | Loading bridge, has lifting cylinder with its one end linked at bearing point at frame, where one bearing point has larger distance from horizontal axis than other bearing point |
US20090126130A1 (en) * | 2007-11-19 | 2009-05-21 | Andreas Bettendorf | Weather shield for underneath a dock leveler with a translating lip |
-
2013
- 2013-09-03 US US14/017,069 patent/US8800086B1/en active Active
-
2014
- 2014-07-02 US US14/322,592 patent/US20150059105A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-08-28 WO PCT/US2014/053214 patent/WO2015034747A2/en active Application Filing
- 2014-08-28 EP EP14771433.1A patent/EP3041770B1/en active Active
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4557008A (en) * | 1983-09-09 | 1985-12-10 | Flexion, Inc. | Dock leveler seal construction |
US20030070208A1 (en) * | 2001-10-17 | 2003-04-17 | Magdziak-Hautala Kathy A. | Headwear |
US7254922B2 (en) * | 2002-04-04 | 2007-08-14 | Fairborn Usa, Inc. | Selectively releasable and pivotable side curtain assembly |
US20090077906A1 (en) * | 2007-09-24 | 2009-03-26 | 4Front Engineered Solutions, Inc. | Loading dock truck shelters |
US8327587B2 (en) * | 2008-05-29 | 2012-12-11 | Rite-Hite Holding Corporation | Head curtains for dock shelters or dock seals |
US8800086B1 (en) * | 2013-09-03 | 2014-08-12 | Rite-Hite Holding Corporation | Shields or seals to shelter an area underneath a dock leveler |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9327922B2 (en) * | 2012-01-03 | 2016-05-03 | 4Front Engineered Solutions, Inc. | Dock leveler sealing systems |
US11987458B2 (en) | 2020-01-22 | 2024-05-21 | Rite-Hite Holding Corporation | Curtain assemblies or seals for dock levelers |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2015034747A3 (en) | 2015-06-18 |
EP3041770B1 (en) | 2018-01-17 |
EP3041770A2 (en) | 2016-07-13 |
US8800086B1 (en) | 2014-08-12 |
WO2015034747A2 (en) | 2015-03-12 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8800086B1 (en) | Shields or seals to shelter an area underneath a dock leveler | |
US7334281B2 (en) | Weather shield for underneath a dock leveler | |
US5442825A (en) | Dock leveler weather seal | |
US7877831B2 (en) | Weather shield for underneath a dock leveler | |
US6502268B2 (en) | Weather shield for below a dock leveler | |
US3322132A (en) | Loading dock shelter | |
CA2768364C (en) | Insulated tracks for loading dock doors and associated methods of manufacture and use | |
EP2060517B1 (en) | Dock leveler with a translating lip and with a weather shield | |
US8510888B2 (en) | Dock leveler sealing systems | |
US20090165224A1 (en) | Seal for a dock leveler lip hinge | |
US9783379B2 (en) | Multi-seal dock seal | |
US20230278815A1 (en) | Seal apparatus for dock levelers | |
US20050108961A1 (en) | Loading dock door seal | |
WO2004074140A2 (en) | Heat shielded sealing curtain | |
CA2996521C (en) | Sealing members for weather barriers | |
US20170283193A1 (en) | Weather barriers for vehicle loading docks | |
US10131509B2 (en) | Pit seal and 360-degree trailer seal for a telescoping lip dock leveler | |
US11230448B2 (en) | Actuated head pad for loading dock |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION, WISCONSIN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BORGERDING, GARY;REEL/FRAME:034376/0456 Effective date: 20140210 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |