US20160031660A1 - Mobile Loading Dock with Wheel Assembly - Google Patents
Mobile Loading Dock with Wheel Assembly Download PDFInfo
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- US20160031660A1 US20160031660A1 US14/885,537 US201514885537A US2016031660A1 US 20160031660 A1 US20160031660 A1 US 20160031660A1 US 201514885537 A US201514885537 A US 201514885537A US 2016031660 A1 US2016031660 A1 US 2016031660A1
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- Prior art keywords
- loading dock
- slot
- fork
- mobile loading
- mobile
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- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
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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
- B65G69/30—Non-permanently installed loading ramps, e.g. transportable
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01D—CONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGES, ELEVATED ROADWAYS OR VIADUCTS; ASSEMBLY OF BRIDGES
- E01D15/00—Movable or portable bridges; Floating bridges
- E01D15/12—Portable or sectional bridges
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01D—CONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGES, ELEVATED ROADWAYS OR VIADUCTS; ASSEMBLY OF BRIDGES
- E01D15/00—Movable or portable bridges; Floating bridges
- E01D15/12—Portable or sectional bridges
- E01D15/127—Portable or sectional bridges combined with ground-supported vehicles for the transport, handling or placing of such bridges or of sections thereof
Definitions
- This device relates to mobile loading docks and more particularly to a loading dock having a wheel assembly for positioning of the dock.
- a variety of loading docks have been devised to adjust to the height of different trailers to properly match the deck of the trailer to the height of the dock. By aligning the height of the trailer and the dock the loading and unloading of cargo is facilitated.
- Loading docks of the prior art typically have certain disadvantages.
- the majority of moveable loading docks require at least some level of manual manipulation by the user to move the dock into a desired position for loading and unloading of material.
- this requires a fork truck operator or other individual to manually connect the ramp portion of the loading dock to a fork truck.
- This device overcomes certain problems and shortcomings in the prior art, including those mentioned above and others, and provides advantages for a mobile loading dock not previously provided.
- This device is an improvement in a mobile loading dock apparatus of the type including a lower end terminating in a lower edge and an upper end including an upper edge.
- the lower edge has a slot substantially parallel to the length of the ramp member for engagement with a slot-engaging member.
- the slot-engaging member is able to be connected to a fork truck for positioning of the ramp member.
- a fork-engaging sleeve is used to position the ramp member.
- the fork-engaging sleeve has an underside from which the slot-engaging member protrudes downward.
- the slot-engaging member includes a downward-protruding rod portion and a flange-end portion connected thereto.
- the slot includes a first portion and a second portion.
- the first portion guides the slot-engaging member toward the second portion wherein the slot-engaging member is securable.
- the second portion include an arc-shaped member affixed to an underside of the ramp member for receiving the flange-end portion.
- the flange-end portion include a tapered-upward-facing surface for contact and securement with the arc-shaped member when connecting the fork truck to the loading dock.
- the arc-shaped member includes a concave-interior surface for securement of the slot-engaging member and for interaction with the tapered-upward-facing surface thereby enabling movement of the ramp member.
- the fork truck includes at least one fork and the fork-engaging sleeve includes at least one sheathe for receiving the fork.
- the fork-engaging sleeve includes two sheathes, one for each corresponding fork.
- Another aspect of the device includes a chain for supplementary securement of the fork-engaging sleeve to the fork truck.
- the ramp member has opposed sidewalls and the lower edge has edge-end corners.
- the sidewalls extend from the upper edge of the ramp member to termination points between the upper edge and the edge-end corners; the distance between the termination points and the edge-end corners is between 12 inches and 60 inches.
- the ramp member include (a) a first upper-end planar portion, the plane of which is parallel to a ground surface on which the ramp member rests; and (b) a second planar portion, the plane of which is downwardly-angled from the upper end to the lower edge.
- Some embodiments also include a hand-rail secured to the first upper-end planar portion.
- the mobile loading dock includes a ramp underside with a wheel assembly.
- the wheel assembly includes a tension spring, a hydraulic member, a leg hingedly attached to the ramp underside and a wheel attached to a leg at an axle and disposed to contact the ground surface beneath the mobile loading dock.
- the tension spring exerts a pulling force on the leg and wheel and the hydraulic member simultaneously exerts a pushing force on the leg and wheel.
- the combined pulling force and pushing force are directionally disposed to erect the wheel assembly when the lower end of the mobile loading dock is raised from a resting position in contact with the ground surface to a mobile position not in contact with the ground surface.
- the wheel assembly includes a hydraulic check valve for automatic locking of the wheel assembly into a mobile position when the wheel assembly is erected.
- the wheel assembly also preferably includes a manually-actuated hydraulic release valve. Actuation of the release valve while in the mobile position causes the pushing force to be reduced and the wheel assembly to return to the resting position.
- the wheel assembly also include an elongate weight-bearing support member having a first end attached to the ramp underside and a second end attached to a tension spring and having a foot. The foot contacts the ground surface when the wheel assembly is in the resting position. When in the resting position, the support member bears a portion of the weight of the ramp member.
- the ramp member include two wheel assemblies, one on each side of the ramp.
- the wheel assemblies are equally distant from a point on the lower edge and are located on each side of ramp member to provide stability.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mobile loading dock and fork truck with fork-engaging sleeve
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fork-engaging sleeve of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fork-engaging sleeve engaged with the loading dock of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the mobile loading dock and fork-engaging sleeve of FIG. 2 taken along line 4 - 4 ;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fork-engaging sleeve partially engaged with the loading dock of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fork-engaging sleeve partially engaged with the loading dock of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the mobile loading dock and fork-engaging sleeve of FIG. 3 taken along line 7 - 7 ;
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the fork-engaging sleeve fully engaged with the loading dock of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the slot-engaging member
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the arc-shaped member
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the mobile loading dock and fork truck of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the mobile loading dock of FIG. 1 with the ramp member in the raised position;
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the mobile loading dock of FIG. 1 with the ramp member in the lowered position;
- FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the wheel assembly of FIG. 11 taken along line 11 - 11 ;
- FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the wheel assembly of FIG. 12 taken along line 12 - 12 ;
- FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the wheel assembly of FIG. 13 taken along line 13 - 13 .
- FIGS. 1-16 illustrate a mobile loading dock 10 with planar ramp member 12 .
- Mobile loading dock 10 includes a lower end 14 terminating in a lower edge 16 and an upper end 18 having an upper edge 20 .
- Lower edge 16 has a slot 22 substantially parallel to the length of the ramp member for engagement with a slot-engaging member 24 .
- Slot-engaging member 24 is able to be connected to a fork truck 26 for positioning of ramp member 12 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates fork truck 26 connected to ramp member 12 via a fork-engaging sleeve 28 .
- Fork-engaging sleeve 28 is used to position ramp member 12 .
- FIGS. 4-8 illustrate that Fork-engaging sleeve 28 has an underside 30 from which slot-engaging member 24 protrudes downward.
- Slot-engaging member 24 includes two parts, a downward-protruding rod portion 32 and a flange-end portion 34 as seen in FIGS. 4-9 .
- slot 22 includes a first portion 36 and a second portion 38 .
- First portion 36 guides slot-engaging member 24 toward the second portion 38 .
- Slot-engaging member 24 is secured in second portion 38 .
- Second portion 38 includes an arc-shaped member 40 affixed to the underside 30 of ramp member 12 for receiving the flange-end portion 34 of slot-engaging member.
- Flange-end portion 34 include a tapered-upward-facing surface 42 .
- Arc-shaped member 40 includes a concave-interior surface 44 (as seen best in FIG. 10 ) for securement of slot-engaging member 24 and for interaction with tapered-upward-facing surface 42 thereby enabling movement of ramp member 12 .
- flange-end portion 34 specifically the tapered-upward-facing surface 42
- arc-shaped member 40 secures ramp member 12 with fork truck 26 and allows fork truck 26 to move and position the ramp member 12 .
- Fork truck 26 includes at least one fork 46 and preferably two forks 46 as seen in FIGS. 2-3 .
- fork-engaging sleeve 28 includes at least one sheathe 48 for receiving one fork 46 or two connected sheathes 48 if there are two forks 46 .
- Sheathe 48 slides on to the fork(s) 46 and is held in place through frictional engagement.
- a chain 50 can be used for supplementary securement of fork-engaging sleeve 28 to fork truck 26 as seen in FIGS. 2-3 .
- FIGS. 1 and 11 - 13 illustrate that ramp member 12 has opposed sidewalls 52 that run the majority of the length of ramp member 12 .
- Lower edge 16 of ramp member 12 has edge-end corners 54 . (See FIG. 1 .)
- the edge-end corners 54 are located at the end of ramp member 12 .
- Sidewalls 52 on ramp member 12 extend from upper edge 18 to termination points 56 .
- Termination points 56 as seen in FIG. 1 , are located between 20 upper edge of ramp member 12 and edge-end corners 54 .
- the distance between termination points 56 and the edge-end corners 54 is between 12 inches and 60 inches.
- Ramp member 12 has several different planes as seen in FIGS. 1 and 11 - 13 . These include a first upper-end planar portion 58 , the plane 64 of which is parallel to a ground surface on which ramp member 12 rests; and a second planar portion 60 , the plane 66 of which is downwardly-angled from upper end 18 to lower edge 16 . Some embodiments of ramp member 12 also include a hand-rail 62 secured to first upper-end planar portion 58 as seen in FIG. 1 . First upper-end planar portion 58 is the section of ramp member 12 which, when in use, abuts either a loading dock or vehicle for purposes of loading or unloading.
- loading docks typically include a raised dock for the loading and unloading of materials which often come in large quantities and are carried by wooden pallets.
- Most docks have doorways with overhead doors that provide access to a garage or similar type of building.
- FIG. 1 also illustrates that ramp member 12 includes stationary support members 68 which do not articulate but which assist in supporting the weight of the fork truck 26 so that personnel and material handling equipment (such as a fork truck 26 ), can conveniently move between the loading dock and the truck bed.
- a manual hand crank is traditionally used to raise or lower the height of the stationary support members 68 .
- mobile loading dock 10 includes a ramp underside 70 with a wheel assembly 72 .
- FIGS. 11-16 illustrate that wheel assembly 72 has a tension spring 74 , a hydraulic member 76 , a leg 78 hingedly attached to the ramp underside 70 and a wheel 80 attached to leg 78 at an axle 82 and disposed to contact a ground surface 84 beneath mobile loading dock 10 .
- tension spring 74 exerts a pulling force on leg 78 and wheel 80 and the hydraulic member 76 exerts a pushing force on the leg 78 and wheel 80 as seen by the arrow in FIGS. 12 and 15 .
- the combined pulling force and pushing force being directionally disposed to erect wheel assembly 72 when the lower end 14 of mobile loading dock 10 is raised from a resting position in contact with ground surface 84 ( FIGS. 12 and 15 ) to a mobile position not in contact with ground surface 84 .
- Wheel assembly 72 includes a hydraulic check valve 86 for automatic locking of wheel assembly 72 into a mobile position when wheel assembly 72 is erected. Wheel assembly 72 also includes a manually-actuated hydraulic release valve 88 , actuation of which in the mobile position causes the pushing force to be reduced and wheel assembly 72 to return to the resting position as seen in FIGS. 11 , 13 - 14 and 16 .
- wheel assembly 72 also includes an elongate weight-bearing support member 90 having a first end 92 attached to ramp underside 70 and a second end 94 attached to tension spring 74 and having a foot 96 . Foot 96 contacts ground surface 84 when wheel assembly 72 is in the resting position. When in the resting position, support member 90 bears a portion of the weight of ramp member 12 .
- Ramp member 12 typically includes two wheel assemblies (two not shown) which are equally distant from a point on the lower edge 16 and located on each side of ramp member 12 to provide stability.
- mobile loading dock 10 is moved from a resting to a mobile position by fork truck 26 so that it directly contacts either a dock or a semi-trailer for loading and unloading of material.
- fork truck 26 which already has the fork-engaging sleeve 28 on its forks 46 , drives forward towards the lower end 14 of ramp member 12 until slot-engaging member 24 engages slot 22 .
- Fork truck 26 then slowly raises the forks 46 straight up and engages flange-end portion 34 with arc-shaped member 40 thereby securing the connection between the fork truck 26 and the loading dock 10 without the need for manual operation by user.
- fork truck 26 can lift up lower end 14 of ramp member 10 and manipulate movement of ramp member 12 in various directions until ramp member 12 is in the desired position.
- Fork truck 26 can turn and maneuver loading dock 10 in 90° in either direction given the opposed sidewalls 52 and the corresponding termination points 56 .
- the plurality of possible angles defines a circular arc around lower edge 16 of ramp member 12 , the arc subtending an angle greater than 180° and having a center point defined by slot-engaging member 24 .
- Slot-engaging member 24 moving axially within second portion 38 of slot 22 facilitates positional movement of fork truck 26 between any of a plurality of possible angles relative to mobile loading dock 10 in the mobile position and further facilitates fork-truck-driven movement of mobile loading dock 10 in fork-truck-determined directions measurable on an x-axis on the ground surface and a perpendicular y-axis on the ground surface.
- tension spring 74 automatically articulates wheel assembly 72 into the mobile position.
- Hydraulic member 76 suctions fluid from a tank and a check valve 86 holds hydraulic member 76 in the fully extended position, allowing loading dock 10 to be moved without any human effort on the hydraulic system (no pumping). Fully automatic latching and articulation of loading dock 10 is achieved. Once loading dock 10 is moved into the desired position, loading or unloading of material can begin.
- the operator of the fork truck 26 has the ability to pivot the entire loading dock 10 about the wheel assembly 72 .
- the tension spring 74 will put a force onto the wheel 80 , causing the hydraulic member 76 to be mechanically extended as the wheel assembly 72 rotates from the force or tension spring 74 .
- Check valve 86 allows hydraulic fluid to be suctioned from the bottom of a hydraulic tank into cylinders.
- the wheel 80 is moved by the tension spring 74 into position and is held in place by the hydraulic member 76 (specifically a hydraulic cylinder).
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Abstract
Description
- The present application is a continuation of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/903,207, filed May 28, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.
- This device relates to mobile loading docks and more particularly to a loading dock having a wheel assembly for positioning of the dock.
- A variety of loading docks have been devised to adjust to the height of different trailers to properly match the deck of the trailer to the height of the dock. By aligning the height of the trailer and the dock the loading and unloading of cargo is facilitated.
- There are many such devices in the prior art. One such device is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,446 to Gould which discloses a reinforced platform pivotally mounted to the ground at one end and includes a support assembly having hydraulic cylinders. In operation the rear wheels of a truck trailer are backed onto the platform and then the non-mounted end of the platform is lifted by the hydraulic cylinders until the deck of the trailer is equal to the height of the dock. A similar device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,792 to Cherry et al. which also discloses a pivotally-mounted and hydraulically-raised platform.
- Loading docks of the prior art typically have certain disadvantages. The majority of moveable loading docks require at least some level of manual manipulation by the user to move the dock into a desired position for loading and unloading of material. Typically, this requires a fork truck operator or other individual to manually connect the ramp portion of the loading dock to a fork truck.
- This can be done through the use of a loosely connected chain. The individual then must get back in the fork truck, move the ramp to the desired location and then get back out of the fork truck to disconnect the ramp. This is a very time consuming process which may take more than one individual to execute.
- It would be desirable to have a mobile loading dock which can be connected and disconnected to a fork truck and moved without the need for the user to leave the fork truck. It would also be desirable to provide a device for connecting a loading dock and the forks on a fork truck which is secure and safe and which also allows for easy maneuvering of the loading dock.
- This device overcomes certain problems and shortcomings in the prior art, including those mentioned above and others, and provides advantages for a mobile loading dock not previously provided.
- This device is an improvement in a mobile loading dock apparatus of the type including a lower end terminating in a lower edge and an upper end including an upper edge. The lower edge has a slot substantially parallel to the length of the ramp member for engagement with a slot-engaging member. The slot-engaging member is able to be connected to a fork truck for positioning of the ramp member.
- In highly preferred embodiments, a fork-engaging sleeve is used to position the ramp member. Preferably, the fork-engaging sleeve has an underside from which the slot-engaging member protrudes downward. The slot-engaging member includes a downward-protruding rod portion and a flange-end portion connected thereto.
- Preferably, the slot includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion guides the slot-engaging member toward the second portion wherein the slot-engaging member is securable. It is also preferred that the second portion include an arc-shaped member affixed to an underside of the ramp member for receiving the flange-end portion. It is highly preferable that the flange-end portion include a tapered-upward-facing surface for contact and securement with the arc-shaped member when connecting the fork truck to the loading dock.
- In preferred embodiments, the arc-shaped member includes a concave-interior surface for securement of the slot-engaging member and for interaction with the tapered-upward-facing surface thereby enabling movement of the ramp member.
- In highly preferred embodiments, the fork truck includes at least one fork and the fork-engaging sleeve includes at least one sheathe for receiving the fork. In other highly preferred embodiments, the fork-engaging sleeve includes two sheathes, one for each corresponding fork. Another aspect of the device includes a chain for supplementary securement of the fork-engaging sleeve to the fork truck.
- It is highly preferable that the ramp member has opposed sidewalls and the lower edge has edge-end corners. Preferably, the sidewalls extend from the upper edge of the ramp member to termination points between the upper edge and the edge-end corners; the distance between the termination points and the edge-end corners is between 12 inches and 60 inches.
- It is preferable that the ramp member include (a) a first upper-end planar portion, the plane of which is parallel to a ground surface on which the ramp member rests; and (b) a second planar portion, the plane of which is downwardly-angled from the upper end to the lower edge. Some embodiments also include a hand-rail secured to the first upper-end planar portion.
- It is highly preferred that the mobile loading dock includes a ramp underside with a wheel assembly. In preferred embodiments, the wheel assembly includes a tension spring, a hydraulic member, a leg hingedly attached to the ramp underside and a wheel attached to a leg at an axle and disposed to contact the ground surface beneath the mobile loading dock.
- In operation, the tension spring exerts a pulling force on the leg and wheel and the hydraulic member simultaneously exerts a pushing force on the leg and wheel. The combined pulling force and pushing force are directionally disposed to erect the wheel assembly when the lower end of the mobile loading dock is raised from a resting position in contact with the ground surface to a mobile position not in contact with the ground surface.
- Preferably, the wheel assembly includes a hydraulic check valve for automatic locking of the wheel assembly into a mobile position when the wheel assembly is erected. The wheel assembly also preferably includes a manually-actuated hydraulic release valve. Actuation of the release valve while in the mobile position causes the pushing force to be reduced and the wheel assembly to return to the resting position.
- It is preferred that the wheel assembly also include an elongate weight-bearing support member having a first end attached to the ramp underside and a second end attached to a tension spring and having a foot. The foot contacts the ground surface when the wheel assembly is in the resting position. When in the resting position, the support member bears a portion of the weight of the ramp member.
- It is highly preferred that the ramp member include two wheel assemblies, one on each side of the ramp. The wheel assemblies are equally distant from a point on the lower edge and are located on each side of ramp member to provide stability.
- The drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment including the above-noted characteristics and features of the device. The device will be readily understood from the descriptions and drawings. In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mobile loading dock and fork truck with fork-engaging sleeve; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fork-engaging sleeve ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fork-engaging sleeve engaged with the loading dock ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the mobile loading dock and fork-engaging sleeve ofFIG. 2 taken along line 4-4; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fork-engaging sleeve partially engaged with the loading dock ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fork-engaging sleeve partially engaged with the loading dock ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the mobile loading dock and fork-engaging sleeve ofFIG. 3 taken along line 7-7; -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the fork-engaging sleeve fully engaged with the loading dock ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the slot-engaging member; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the arc-shaped member; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the mobile loading dock and fork truck ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the mobile loading dock ofFIG. 1 with the ramp member in the raised position; -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the mobile loading dock ofFIG. 1 with the ramp member in the lowered position; -
FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the wheel assembly ofFIG. 11 taken along line 11-11; -
FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the wheel assembly ofFIG. 12 taken along line 12-12; and -
FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the wheel assembly ofFIG. 13 taken along line 13-13. -
FIGS. 1-16 illustrate amobile loading dock 10 withplanar ramp member 12.Mobile loading dock 10 includes alower end 14 terminating in alower edge 16 and anupper end 18 having anupper edge 20.Lower edge 16 has aslot 22 substantially parallel to the length of the ramp member for engagement with a slot-engagingmember 24. Slot-engagingmember 24 is able to be connected to afork truck 26 for positioning oframp member 12. -
FIG. 1 illustratesfork truck 26 connected to rampmember 12 via a fork-engagingsleeve 28. Fork-engagingsleeve 28 is used to positionramp member 12.FIGS. 4-8 illustrate that Fork-engagingsleeve 28 has anunderside 30 from which slot-engagingmember 24 protrudes downward. Slot-engagingmember 24 includes two parts, a downward-protrudingrod portion 32 and a flange-end portion 34 as seen inFIGS. 4-9 . - As illustrated in
FIG. 2 ,slot 22 includes afirst portion 36 and a second portion 38.First portion 36 guides slot-engagingmember 24 toward the second portion 38. Slot-engagingmember 24 is secured in second portion 38. Second portion 38 includes an arc-shapedmember 40 affixed to theunderside 30 oframp member 12 for receiving the flange-end portion 34 of slot-engaging member. Flange-end portion 34 include a tapered-upward-facing surface 42. Arc-shapedmember 40 includes a concave-interior surface 44 (as seen best inFIG. 10 ) for securement of slot-engagingmember 24 and for interaction with tapered-upward-facing surface 42 thereby enabling movement oframp member 12. - It is the interaction between flange-end portion 34 (specifically the tapered-upward-facing surface 42) and arc-shaped
member 40 that securesramp member 12 withfork truck 26 and allowsfork truck 26 to move and position theramp member 12. -
Fork truck 26 includes at least onefork 46 and preferably twoforks 46 as seen inFIGS. 2-3 . As also illustrated inFIGS. 2-3 , fork-engagingsleeve 28 includes at least one sheathe 48 for receiving onefork 46 or twoconnected sheathes 48 if there are twoforks 46.Sheathe 48 slides on to the fork(s) 46 and is held in place through frictional engagement. Achain 50 can be used for supplementary securement of fork-engagingsleeve 28 to forktruck 26 as seen inFIGS. 2-3 . - FIGS. 1 and 11-13 illustrate that
ramp member 12 has opposed sidewalls 52 that run the majority of the length oframp member 12.Lower edge 16 oframp member 12 has edge-end corners 54. (SeeFIG. 1 .) The edge-end corners 54 are located at the end oframp member 12.Sidewalls 52 onramp member 12 extend fromupper edge 18 to termination points 56. Termination points 56, as seen inFIG. 1 , are located between 20 upper edge oframp member 12 and edge-end corners 54. The distance between termination points 56 and the edge-end corners 54 is between 12 inches and 60 inches. -
Ramp member 12 has several different planes as seen in FIGS. 1 and 11-13. These include a first upper-end planar portion 58, the plane 64 of which is parallel to a ground surface on whichramp member 12 rests; and a second planar portion 60, the plane 66 of which is downwardly-angled fromupper end 18 tolower edge 16. Some embodiments oframp member 12 also include a hand-rail 62 secured to first upper-end planar portion 58 as seen inFIG. 1 . First upper-end planar portion 58 is the section oframp member 12 which, when in use, abuts either a loading dock or vehicle for purposes of loading or unloading. - Typically loading docks include a raised dock for the loading and unloading of materials which often come in large quantities and are carried by wooden pallets. Most docks have doorways with overhead doors that provide access to a garage or similar type of building.
-
FIG. 1 also illustrates thatramp member 12 includesstationary support members 68 which do not articulate but which assist in supporting the weight of thefork truck 26 so that personnel and material handling equipment (such as a fork truck 26), can conveniently move between the loading dock and the truck bed. A manual hand crank is traditionally used to raise or lower the height of thestationary support members 68. - As also seen in
FIG. 1 ,mobile loading dock 10 includes aramp underside 70 with awheel assembly 72.FIGS. 11-16 illustrate thatwheel assembly 72 has atension spring 74, ahydraulic member 76, aleg 78 hingedly attached to theramp underside 70 and awheel 80 attached toleg 78 at anaxle 82 and disposed to contact aground surface 84 beneathmobile loading dock 10. - In operation,
tension spring 74 exerts a pulling force onleg 78 andwheel 80 and thehydraulic member 76 exerts a pushing force on theleg 78 andwheel 80 as seen by the arrow inFIGS. 12 and 15 . The combined pulling force and pushing force being directionally disposed to erectwheel assembly 72 when thelower end 14 ofmobile loading dock 10 is raised from a resting position in contact with ground surface 84 (FIGS. 12 and 15 ) to a mobile position not in contact withground surface 84. -
Wheel assembly 72 includes a hydraulic check valve 86 for automatic locking ofwheel assembly 72 into a mobile position whenwheel assembly 72 is erected.Wheel assembly 72 also includes a manually-actuated hydraulic release valve 88, actuation of which in the mobile position causes the pushing force to be reduced andwheel assembly 72 to return to the resting position as seen inFIGS. 11 , 13-14 and 16. - As seen best in
FIGS. 14-16 ,wheel assembly 72 also includes an elongate weight-bearingsupport member 90 having afirst end 92 attached to rampunderside 70 and asecond end 94 attached totension spring 74 and having afoot 96.Foot 96contacts ground surface 84 whenwheel assembly 72 is in the resting position. When in the resting position,support member 90 bears a portion of the weight oframp member 12. -
Ramp member 12 typically includes two wheel assemblies (two not shown) which are equally distant from a point on thelower edge 16 and located on each side oframp member 12 to provide stability. - In operation,
mobile loading dock 10 is moved from a resting to a mobile position byfork truck 26 so that it directly contacts either a dock or a semi-trailer for loading and unloading of material. In order to facilitate movement ofmobile loading dock 10,fork truck 26, which already has the fork-engagingsleeve 28 on itsforks 46, drives forward towards thelower end 14 oframp member 12 until slot-engagingmember 24 engagesslot 22.Fork truck 26 then slowly raises theforks 46 straight up and engages flange-end portion 34 with arc-shapedmember 40 thereby securing the connection between thefork truck 26 and theloading dock 10 without the need for manual operation by user. When loadingdock 10 is secured to forktruck 26,fork truck 26 can lift up lower end 14 oframp member 10 and manipulate movement oframp member 12 in various directions untilramp member 12 is in the desired position. -
Fork truck 26 can turn andmaneuver loading dock 10 in 90° in either direction given the opposedsidewalls 52 and the corresponding termination points 56. The plurality of possible angles defines a circular arc aroundlower edge 16 oframp member 12, the arc subtending an angle greater than 180° and having a center point defined by slot-engagingmember 24. Slot-engagingmember 24 moving axially within second portion 38 ofslot 22 facilitates positional movement offork truck 26 between any of a plurality of possible angles relative tomobile loading dock 10 in the mobile position and further facilitates fork-truck-driven movement ofmobile loading dock 10 in fork-truck-determined directions measurable on an x-axis on the ground surface and a perpendicular y-axis on the ground surface. - As
lower end 14 ofloading dock 10 is lifted off of theground 84 into a mobile position,tension spring 74 automatically articulateswheel assembly 72 into the mobile position.Hydraulic member 76 suctions fluid from a tank and a check valve 86 holdshydraulic member 76 in the fully extended position, allowingloading dock 10 to be moved without any human effort on the hydraulic system (no pumping). Fully automatic latching and articulation ofloading dock 10 is achieved. Onceloading dock 10 is moved into the desired position, loading or unloading of material can begin. - The operator of the
fork truck 26 has the ability to pivot theentire loading dock 10 about thewheel assembly 72. When the weight ofloading dock 10 is removed asramp member 12 is lifted, thetension spring 74 will put a force onto thewheel 80, causing thehydraulic member 76 to be mechanically extended as thewheel assembly 72 rotates from the force ortension spring 74. Check valve 86 allows hydraulic fluid to be suctioned from the bottom of a hydraulic tank into cylinders. When fork truck operator lowers thelower end 14, thewheel 80 is moved by thetension spring 74 into position and is held in place by the hydraulic member 76 (specifically a hydraulic cylinder). A wide variety of materials are available for the various parts discussed and illustrated herein. Although the device has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
Claims (18)
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US14/885,537 US9254971B1 (en) | 2013-05-28 | 2015-10-16 | Mobile loading dock with wheel assembly |
US14/976,886 US9428350B2 (en) | 2013-05-28 | 2015-12-21 | Mobile loading dock with free fall protection |
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US13/903,207 US9169090B2 (en) | 2013-05-28 | 2013-05-28 | Mobile loading dock with wheel assembly |
US14/885,537 US9254971B1 (en) | 2013-05-28 | 2015-10-16 | Mobile loading dock with wheel assembly |
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US13/903,207 Continuation US9169090B2 (en) | 2013-05-28 | 2013-05-28 | Mobile loading dock with wheel assembly |
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US14/976,886 Continuation-In-Part US9428350B2 (en) | 2013-05-28 | 2015-12-21 | Mobile loading dock with free fall protection |
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US20160031660A1 true US20160031660A1 (en) | 2016-02-04 |
US9254971B1 US9254971B1 (en) | 2016-02-09 |
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US14/885,537 Active US9254971B1 (en) | 2013-05-28 | 2015-10-16 | Mobile loading dock with wheel assembly |
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US13/903,207 Active 2034-05-15 US9169090B2 (en) | 2013-05-28 | 2013-05-28 | Mobile loading dock with wheel assembly |
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US (2) | US9169090B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014193682A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
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EP2862822B1 (en) * | 2013-10-16 | 2016-04-13 | Grant Leum | Mobile loading dock with load-bearing frame |
USD793024S1 (en) * | 2014-05-30 | 2017-07-25 | Horizon Global Americas Inc. | Ramp |
USD783923S1 (en) * | 2014-05-30 | 2017-04-11 | Cequent Consumer Products, Inc. | Ramp |
USD813488S1 (en) * | 2016-06-27 | 2018-03-20 | Grant Leum | Loading dock ramp |
US10365016B1 (en) * | 2018-05-11 | 2019-07-30 | Grant Leum | Solar-powered mobile loading dock |
CN109736212B (en) * | 2019-01-21 | 2023-09-19 | 郭正兴 | Rolling friction type walking pushing device for bridge segment installation |
CN109795394B (en) * | 2019-03-18 | 2023-11-21 | 广州达意隆包装机械股份有限公司 | Platform of container loading and unloading truck, container loading and unloading truck system and loading and unloading method |
CN111549644B (en) * | 2020-05-12 | 2022-03-11 | 江苏万成钢构科技有限公司 | Do benefit to steel temporary bridge by oneself of quick current mediation of actual combat |
Family Cites Families (12)
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US3261489A (en) * | 1964-03-23 | 1966-07-19 | Ray P Miles | Apparatus and method for moving plate structures |
US3802018A (en) | 1968-09-27 | 1974-04-09 | Copperloy Corp | Suspension for mobile ramp structure |
US3548433A (en) | 1968-09-27 | 1970-12-22 | Ray P Miles | Motorized yard ramp |
US4624446A (en) | 1985-07-15 | 1986-11-25 | Advance Lifts, Inc. | Ground supported leveler for vehicle dockage |
US4765792A (en) | 1987-03-23 | 1988-08-23 | Autoquip Corporation | Surface mounted truck leveler |
US5311628A (en) | 1992-06-05 | 1994-05-17 | Rite-Hite Corporation | Dock leveler with an improved automatic material handling vehicle barrier |
US5845356A (en) | 1996-07-19 | 1998-12-08 | Braj Enterprise Inc. | Loading ramp and handling apparatus |
US6834409B2 (en) | 2002-12-23 | 2004-12-28 | Nordock, Inc. | Dock leveler |
US7062813B2 (en) | 2003-03-12 | 2006-06-20 | Spx Dock Products, Inc. | Support leg system and method for supporting a dock leveler |
US6931686B2 (en) | 2003-03-12 | 2005-08-23 | Spx Dock Products Inc. | Support leg system and method for supporting a dock leveler |
US7047584B2 (en) | 2003-03-12 | 2006-05-23 | Spx Dock Products, Inc. | Support leg system and method for supporting a dock leveler |
US6898815B2 (en) | 2003-06-16 | 2005-05-31 | Cleone Young, legal representative | Portable unloading dock |
-
2013
- 2013-05-28 US US13/903,207 patent/US9169090B2/en active Active
-
2014
- 2014-05-19 WO PCT/US2014/038581 patent/WO2014193682A1/en active Application Filing
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2015
- 2015-10-16 US US14/885,537 patent/US9254971B1/en active Active
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US20140356121A1 (en) | 2014-12-04 |
US9169090B2 (en) | 2015-10-27 |
US9254971B1 (en) | 2016-02-09 |
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