Bridges – Gangway – ramp – or dock leveler – Attached
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-29
2001-03-27
Lillis, Eileen D. (Department: 3673)
Bridges
Gangway, ramp, or dock leveler
Attached
C014S069500, C014S071100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06205606
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a manually actuated vertically stored dock leveler apparatus.
BACKGROUND
In the art of dock levelers or so-called dockboards, there have been substantial developments over a long period of time to provide dock levelers with relatively complex mechanisms for moving the dock leveler between a stored position and a working position. Still further, substantial developments have been carried out to provide dock levelers with relatively complex mechanisms for moving retractable ramp extension or so-called lip sections between working and stored positions also.
However, there are many applications for dockboards or dock levelers which require relatively uncomplicated structures which should be capable of being conveniently actuated to move between working and stored positions, which may be maintained in a stored position in a substantially vertical or upright position of the leveler ramp member and which may be locked in the stored position. The present invention has been developed with a view to providing a dock leveler apparatus which is inexpensive, easily manipulated for moving the ramp section between stored and working positions and may be securely stored in a generally vertical position of the ramp member.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an improved dock leveler or dockboard for use in providing a ramp extending between a loading dock and a vehicle parked thereat.
In accordance with one important aspect of the present invention, a dock leveler is provided which includes a ramp section which is adapted to be stored in an upright or vertical position and movable between stored and working positions by a manual actuating member. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a vertically storable dock leveler is provided wherein an actuating member is movable from a position for moving the dock leveler ramp between working and stored positions and a position wherein the actuating member is operable to maintain the ramp in its elevated or stored position and locked in the stored position, if desired. The actuating member or lever is also operable to provide additional indication that the leveler ramp is disposed in its stored position and is substantially secured in that position.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a vertically storable dock leveler is provided with counterbalance or biasing mechanisms comprising spaced apart cylinder and piston type “gas springs” for providing a counterbalance effort to assist in moving the leveler ramp between working and stored positions.
In accordance with yet a further aspect of the invention a vertically storable dock leveler is provided which includes an improved hinge structure for connecting a pivotable ramp member to a leveler base or frame member. Still further, the ramp member is provided with opposed side edge curbs or guards to minimize the risk of side edge runoff from the ramp.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the vertically storable dock leveler apparatus of the present invention is easy to fabricate, easy to operate and reliable in operation. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the above-mentioned advantages and superior features of the dock leveler apparatus of the present invention upon reading the detailed description which follows in conjunction with the drawing.
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Lounsbury Mark S.
Quinlan George D.
Zibella Michael A.
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld L.L.P.
Hartmann Gary S.
Lillis Eileen D.
Overhead Door Corporation
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