Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Combined – With a loading dock seal
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-14
2001-03-06
Canfield, Robert (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Combined
With a loading dock seal
C049S476100, C049S480100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06195947
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to a device for protecting a shed entrance, particularly during loading and/or unloading of a vehicle parked thereagainst, comprising:
a wall-mounted frame arranged on a wall outside the shed entrance;
a hanging frame which is held in a plane substantially parallel to that of the wall-mounted frame and at a distance therefrom with resilient separating means.
Such a device is generally known in the art, wherein between the wall-mounted frame and the hanging frame a fabric or similar element is arranged which is suspended therebetween to prevent rain entering. In order to hold the hanging frame in suspended situation parallel to and at a distance from the wall-mounted frame, use is usually made of the weight of the hanging frame and the fabric or of a relatively long spring or of a pulley system with weights.
A drawback of the known art is that it is complicated, wherein such a long spring is subject to deformation, particularly when it is loaded continuously as in the case of a dock shelter, whereby the operation thereof deteriorates. With use of these often spirally wound springs, not only is deformation possible in the direction perpendicular to the outside wall but also transversely of this direction, which is undesirable since when the truck is driven into the shelter the hanging frame will be loaded in this transverse direction and thereby be bent sideways, thereby resulting in inadequate protection. When flexibility is equally great both in the driving direction and transversely thereof, lateral movements of particularly the hanging frame relative to the wall-mounted frame will moreover already occur under the influence of a (slight) side wind, while the resilience of the separating means serves substantially to absorb the knocks which occur when the vehicle collides with the hanging frame. Pulley systems have the drawback of being susceptible to breakdown and fitting thereof is time-consuming.
The present invention has for its object to obviate at least one of the above stated drawbacks of the known art, and a device is provided for this purpose which is distinguished in that the separating means comprise an elongate body of form-retaining material extending in upward direction between the wall-mounted frame and the hanging frame and a coupling of elastic material on both ends of the body, wherein each coupling is connected to one of respectively the wall-mounted frame and the hanging frame.
With a device according to the present invention an effective configuration is provided for suspending the hanging frame in relation to the wall-mounted frame, the operation of which is very reliable, which is simple to mount and which can function for a prolonged period without maintenance, since in part a rigid component is applied herein which is provided only on the ends thereof with a resilient hinged coupling of elastic material. The coupling is preferably designed to display a higher degree of flexibility in the direction from the wall-mounted frame to the hanging frame than in the direction transversely thereof.
In a preferred embodiment a device according to the present invention has the property that the coupling is an integrally formed element. The coupling herein forms a single connection between the body of form-retaining material, such as a rod, and profiles of the hanging frame and the wall-mounted frame. A simple configuration is obtained in this manner which is quick and easy to assemble. Use is preferably made of polyoxymethylene, also known as POM or spring steel, as elastic or resilient material.
In a second preferred embodiment a device according to the present invention has the property that the coupling comprises a releasable engaging member for placing into co-acting situation with the body. In addition to an easy and rapid assembly, an equally simple and rapid disassembly of the device is thus also possible.
In a third preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention, the device has the property that the body is hollow at least on the outer ends thereof, wherein a part of the coupling can be placed into one of the hollow ends of the body. In combination with fabric between the wall-mounted frame and the hanging frame and the limitation on the distance therebetween which is hereby imposed, a very reliable connection of the coupling and the elongate body of form-retaining material is thus obtained, even if for instance a vehicle such as a truck were to press the hanging frame in the direction of the wall-mounted frame as a result of being driven in incorrectly. The thus generated bias can be enhanced with a configuration of the coupling designed for this purpose, wherein at least the coupling arranged on the wall-mounted frame exerts a downward force on the elongate body. In preference a device according to the present invention herein has the property that the body is provided in at least an internal wall thereof with a recess, and close to the outer end in the direction of the body the coupling has a protrusion co-acting in the assembled situation with the recess. This protrusion therefore functions as hook which engages in the recess, which connection can be released in simple manner by pressing the protrusion, which is after all also manufactured from resilient material, out of the recess and subsequently releasing the coupling and the body from each other. This advantage is further enhanced in a device according to the present invention with the property that the recess is arranged through the wall of the body, wherein the protrusion can be pressed out from the outside of the body and co-action between protrusion and recess can be discontinued.
In a fourth preferred embodiment a device according to the present invention has the property that the coupling comprises aligning means, wherein in co-action with one of the wall-mounted frame and the hanging frame the coupling can be aligned relative thereto, and fixing means, wherein after alignment the coupling can be fixed to the respective one of the wall-mounted frame and the hanging frame. In this manner a bias in the coupling is possible with which the fabric element is held under tension between the wall-mounted frame and the hanging frame and wherein it is ensured that the hanging frame can be positioned such that it is situated straight in front of the wall-mounted frame. In preference a device according to the present invention herein has the property that the wall-mounted frame and the hanging frame each comprise a C-shaped profile in which the fixing means engage. An example hereof is a hammer-head bolt which can be arranged in the C-shaped profile, wherein assembly of the device according to the present invention is optimally simple by first positioning the hammer-head bolt approximately in the C-shaped profile and subsequently positioning the coupling precisely relative to the fixing means designed for instance as hammer-head bolt.
The present invention also relates to a coupling as evidently intended for a device with one or more than one of the above stated properties.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3528086 (1970-09-01), Conger
patent: 3538655 (1970-11-01), Frommelt et al.
patent: 4365452 (1982-12-01), Fillman et al.
patent: 4495737 (1985-01-01), Alten
patent: 4724648 (1988-02-01), Diepholder
patent: 4825606 (1989-05-01), Alten
patent: 5450696 (1995-09-01), Alten
patent: 5467563 (1995-11-01), Borchardt
patent: 5927025 (1999-07-01), Brockman et al.
patent: 9305273 (1994-06-01), None
patent: 2510651 (1982-07-01), None
Berends Jan
Laverman Wybe Jan Thymen
Canfield Robert
Stertil B.V.
Zovko Mark
LandOfFree
Device for shielding a shed entrance does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Device for shielding a shed entrance, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Device for shielding a shed entrance will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2533043