Abstract: Dock leveler operable as a runoff guard includes a center plate pivotally connected to a base plate, a lip plate pivotally connected to the forward edge of the center plate, and a locking bar hingedly connected to the bottom surface of the center plate. The second end of the locking bar is adapted to swing into abutting engagement with a stop member mounted on the base plate when the center plate is pivoted into its upright rearward position to brace the center plate against pivotal movement in the forward direction. The dock leveler also includes a mechanical linkage extending between the base plate and the center plate for pivoting the center plate, and a removable lever arm for actuating the mechanical linkage. A first pivotal paddle is engageably-aligned with the mechanical linkage, and a second pivotal paddle, which is operatively connected to the first paddle, is engageably-aligned with the locking bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a dock leveler including a linkage pivotally connected at a first end to the base plate. The second end of the linkage is adapted to selectively engage the center plate at times when the center plate is pivoted from its forward position toward its rearward position. Preferably, a roller is provided on the second end of the linkage and a cam member is mounted on the underside of the center plate in alignment with the path of the roller, such that the roller travels along the cam member to reduce the force required to operate the center plate pivoting means. A lever tube is rigidly connected to the second end of the linkage and is adapted to hold an operating lever. The operating lever is in a substantially vertical orientation at times when the center plate is in the stored and bridging positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a dock leveler including a linkage pivotably connected at a first end to the base plate. The second end of the linkage is adapted to selectively engage the center plate at times when the center plate is pivoted from its forward position toward its rearward position. Preferably, the second end of the linkage includes a roller apparatus to roll along the underside of the center plate during the pivoting operation. A lever tube is rigidly connected to the second end of the linkage and is adapted to hold an operating lever. The operating lever is in a substantially vertical orientation at times when the center plate is in the stored and bridging positions. When the center plate is in the retracted position, the operating lever is adapted to be in a position that is easily reachable by the operator with only a minimal degree of bending required.

Abstract: A dock leveler having a pivotable main deck, a lip plate pivotably connected to the main deck, and a lip plate extension apparatus for pivoting the lip plate from a stored position to a bridging position and for maintaining the lip plate in the bridging position at times when the main deck is in the fully raised position. Front plate gussets and lip plate gussets are provided for strengthening the pivotal connection between the main deck and the lip gate. Both the front plate gussets and the lip plate gussets include an end that conforms in shape to the hinge tube and is connected thereto. A recessed deck cup is provided in the main deck for housing a pull ring having a chain attached thereto. The deck cup has an area of decreased diameter and an outwardly flared bottom to provide a smooth surface for contacting the chain as the pull ring is pulled and for providing an interior constriction to hold the pull ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a dock leveler including a lever adapted to be pivotably connected to the center plate for pivoting the center plate to the rearward position upon movement in a rearward direction to a first position. A lip extension apparatus is adapted to be connected to the lip plate and the base plate. The lip extension apparatus is operative for selectively pivoting the lip plate either toward the bridging position or to the stored position in response to forward movement of the lever at times when the center plate is in the rearward position. The lip extension apparatus includes an extension member and an extension stop member. A cocking apparatus is utilized to engage the extension member on the extension stop member for pivoting the lip plate toward the bridging position as the center plate pivots forwardly from the rearward position.